Repairs expected soon to restore power to Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant: IAEA chief

VIENNA, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Repairs are expected soon to restore off-site power to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said on Wednesday.

The ZNPP lost its grid connection on Sept. 23 for the 10th time during the conflict between Russia and Ukraine after its last remaining 750-kilovolt power line was cut. Both sides have blamed the damage on military activity.

Grossi said in a statement that the IAEA has been engaging closely with both sides to help ensure technicians can carry out repair work that is of crucial importance for nuclear safety and security.

He said the current situation is not sustainable, and both Russia and Ukraine want the repairs to go ahead.

Emergency diesel generators are currently producing electricity for the ZNPP site, according to the statement.

The IAEA team at the plant has reported that nuclear safety was maintained, and radiation levels were normal at the site. ■