Two Ukrainian nuclear power plants are operating at reduced capacity after an attack on an electrical substation – IAEA

For the past ten days, the Khmelnytskyi and Rivne nuclear power plants have been operating at reduced capacity following a Russian attack on a substation that supplies these plants.

This was stated by Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), on Monday, November 17, according to the agency’s website.

It is noted that substations in the power grid are critically important nodes where voltage levels are transformed and controlled to ensure the reliable transmission of electricity. They are important for nuclear safety because they are indispensable for maintaining external power supplies that keep safety and cooling systems running.

The IAEA reported that as a result of the Russian attack on substations on the night of November 7, the Khmelnytskyi and Rivne NPPs were disconnected from one of their two 750 kV power transmission lines. In addition, the grid operator ordered a reduction in electricity production at some reactors.

According to the agency, one of the damaged lines has now been restored, but the other remains inoperable. As a result, three reactors continue to operate at limited capacity.