Ukraine nuclear plants reduce power after military activities damage grid: IAEA

Vienna [Austria], December 24: Ukraine's Khmelnytsky and Rivne nuclear power plants reduced power output on Tuesday morning after extensive military activities affected energy infrastructure critical to nuclear safety and security, according to a statement by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said several electrical substations were damaged.
"Once again, substations were affected by military activities, impacting nuclear safety and security. The electrical grid has become increasingly degraded and unstable during the conflict, posing a serious threat to the safety of nuclear power plants," Grossi said.
Electrical substations transform and regulate voltage levels to ensure reliable power transmission. For nuclear power plants, they are essential for maintaining secure off-site power supplies that support safety systems and reactor cooling functions.
Earlier this month, the IAEA assessed the condition of more than 10 substations vital to nuclear safety and security in Ukraine. The mission concluded that the grid is now in its worst condition since the agency began monitoring substations in September 2024.
In March 2022, the IAEA director general outlined Seven Indispensable Pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security during armed conflict. Pillar 4 states that "there must be a secure off-site power supply from the grid for all nuclear sites." However, these principles have been increasingly undermined by the continuing degradation of substations and the power grid, the statement said.
Source: Xinhua News Agency