Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Loses External Power, Activates Diesel Generators
The Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) lost its sole remaining external power line on August 20, forcing the facility to rely on emergency diesel generators to maintain vital cooling systems. This marks the 27th time the plant has faced a total external power loss since the 2022 invasion. Officials warned that the recurring instability of the electrical grid continues to pose a severe risk of a nuclear meltdown as conflict persists near the site.
Date: August 20, 2026
Location: Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Ukraine
Conflict: Russia-Ukraine War
Category: infrastructure
Severity: CRITICAL
Source: Democracy Now