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Topics: Russia, Ukraine, Vladimir Putin, Chernobyl
Poppy Bilderbeck
The International Atomic Energy Agency has revealed that power has been restored to Chernobyl power plant despite the damage which has incurred from Russian forces.
The nuclear power plant was first seized by Vladimir Putin's troops on the very first day of the invasion, Thursday, February 24.
Since then, it has been reported that the radiation from the plant 'exceeds control levels,' with Chernobyl later becoming disconnected and running the risk of leaking radioactive substances into the atmosphere.
After a series of damages and repairs, Ukraine has since informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that external power has been 'restored' despite the latest disruption caused 'by the occupying forces'.
In its latest tweet, the IAEA reassured that despite a series of disturbances that the plant's power is currently restored.
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It wrote: '#Ukraine has informed IAEA that external power had again today been restored to the #Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant after line had been again damaged “by the occupying forces”.
'Staff had restarted operations to reconnect the plant to the electricity grid.'
The first disconnection of power to the plant occurred on March 9.
On March 13, Ukraine stated that one of the power lines had been fixed and that on the morning of March 14, the NPP would be reconnected to the country's electricity network, as per the IAEA.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi confirmed that specialist teams worked on repairing two powerlines yesterday.
However, before power was able to be reconnected to the NPP, early in the morning of March 14, reports emerged of more damage having incurred as a result of the 'occupying forces'.
The country's state power operator Energoatom stated fears over the possibility of the plant's fuel assemblies being left unable to be 'constantly cool[ed]' because of the power outage leading to 'nuclear discharge'.
However, in its latest update, the IAEA has stated that Chernobyl's disconnection from the grid 'did not have a critical impact on essential safety functions as the volume of cooling water in its spent fuel storage facility was sufficient to maintain heat removal without a supply of electricity.'
Even if a total loss of power occurred, even from diesel generators - reserves of which are said to last until this evening, March 15 - the regular reported that there would still be 'no impact on essential safety systems'.
The IAEA also gave an update about Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, which has also been captured by Russian forces.
It wrote: 'IAEA is aware of reports that Russian forces have carried out munition explosions at the site of the #Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant today, and it is seeking information about the situation from #Ukraine.'
Staff at Zaporizhzhya are reportedly being 'tortured' according to Ukrainian energy minister Herman Galushchenko.
Workers at Chernobyl are also reported as being forced to work as hostages on one meal a day and two hours sleep.
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