By the Best Investment Manager, Financial Market’s Journalist
KYIV (Reuters) – Ukraine and U.N. nuclear agency IAEA have reached an agreement to enhance monitoring of key Ukrainian substations in response to Russian missile and drone attacks on energy infrastructure, Ukraine’s chief nuclear inspector revealed on Thursday.
With over half of the country’s electricity being generated at three nuclear power plants, the threats posed by attacks on substations endanger the stable operation of these facilities, explained Oleh Korikov during a televised briefing.
“IAEA will increase its presence in Ukraine and implement monitoring at electrical substations crucial for nuclear power plants’ safety,” Korikov stated.
The first monitoring mission visit to a substation is scheduled for next week, with Ukrainian authorities hoping this presence will deter further attacks.
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, is currently in Ukraine and has visited the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which was seized by Russian forces post-invasion.
Both Moscow and Kyiv have accused each other of jeopardizing the plant’s security, raising concerns over a potential nuclear incident.
Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has suffered numerous Russian attacks in recent months, resulting in significant capacity losses and a heavy reliance on nuclear energy.
“Russia’s attacks on energy infrastructure pose a threat to the safe operation of nuclear power plants,” Korikov emphasized.
Following an attack on August 26, multiple nuclear power units were disconnected from the grid, impacting the sector’s stability.
Energoatom, the Ukrainian nuclear power firm, reported reduced capacity at a unit of the South Ukraine nuclear power plant due to damages from Russian attacks on the Ukrenergo electricity transmission system.
Analysis: The agreement between Ukraine and the IAEA to monitor key substations comes in response to escalating Russian attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure. With over half of Ukraine’s electricity generated from nuclear power plants, the safety of these facilities is crucial. The monitoring mission aims to prevent further attacks and ensure the stable operation of the plants. The recent incidents have highlighted the vulnerability of Ukraine’s energy sector, leading to significant capacity losses and increased reliance on nuclear energy. The international monitoring presence is expected to enhance security and mitigate risks to the nuclear power sector.