IAEA: Nuclear power plants in Ukraine have reduced energy production

Three Ukrainian nuclear power plants have reduced electricity production after new attacks on energy infrastructure. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi announced this on Thursday, November 28.

It was noted that for the second time in less than two weeks, the Khmelnitsky, Rivne and South Ukrainian nuclear power plants reduced power levels as a preventive measure during major military operations. Air raid sirens sounded at these facilities, and two teams of IAEA experts located in Ukraine were forced to seek shelter.

Nine reactors operating at those plants have had their power reduced, Grossi said. One of the reactors at the Rivne NPP was completely disconnected from the network. Despite this, all three nuclear power plants continue to receive electricity from the outside, although at Khmelnytsky NPP the connection to two power lines has been lost.

The breakdown of electrical substations that provide transmission and reception of electricity from nuclear power plants has been another problem. These substations, essential for nuclear safety, have been damaged several times, particularly in August of this year.

“Ukraine’s energy infrastructure is extremely fragile and vulnerable, which puts nuclear security at great risk. I once again call for maximum military deterrence in areas where major nuclear power facilities and other facilities are located where they depend,” said the IAEA director.

We remind you that on Thursday night Russian troops carried out a massive combined missile and drone attack on the Ukrainian energy sector. A total of 12 hits were recorded, mainly at fuel and energy sector facilities in different regions.