IAEA says Zaporizhzhia thermal plant linked to ZNPP power supply was attacked

Why does an attack on the thermal plant matter for the nuclear plant?

The IAEA said the thermal plant's switchyard helps transmit electricity to ZNPP, and ZNPP currently has only one remaining external power line. If that off-site power is lost, the nuclear plant may have to rely on emergency diesel generators for essential cooling functions Українська …,Ведомости,УКРІНФОРМ.

What did IAEA personnel on site observe?

IAEA staff at ZNPP said they saw light smoke rising from the direction of the thermal plant and heard sounds of military activity. Reports citing the agency also said available information indicated thermal-plant workers were in shelters Економічна …,Радіо Свобо…,espreso.tv.

Was ZNPP's external power cut after the attack?

The reports cited here said the single remaining external power line to ZNPP was still connected at the time. However, the IAEA noted that this line has been disconnected several times in recent weeks, which is why the incident raised concern about what could happen next Економічна …,РБК-Украина,ZN.UA.