All NPPs in Ukraine Reduced Output as a Preventive Measure Against Shelling - IAEA.

On Thursday morning, three nuclear power plants in Ukraine reduced electricity production due to attacks on energy infrastructure that threaten the country's nuclear safety. This was reported by the Director General of the IAEA, Rafael Mariano Grossi, as noted by Ukrinform.

"For the second Time in less than two weeks, the Khmelnytskyi, Rivne, and South Ukrainian NPPs reduced their power levels as a precautionary measure during large-scale military actions in the country," said Grossi.

Grossi also noted that the two IAEA teams working in Ukraine had to take shelter during air alarms.

As a result, all nine reactors at the nuclear plants reduced their output, and the reactor at the Rivne NPP was disconnected from the grid.

Currently, all nuclear power stations are receiving external power, but the Khmelnytskyi NPP has lost connection with two power transmission lines, the IAEA Director General noted.

"Ukraine's energy infrastructure is extremely fragile and vulnerable, posing a significant risk to nuclear safety. Once again, I call for maximum military restraint in areas where major nuclear energy facilities and other dependent facilities are located," said Grossi.

While there is no data on direct damage to nuclear power plants, the strikes affect the operation of substations used for the transmission and receipt of electricity. Substations had already been damaged in August.

Meanwhile, IAEA teams visited seven substations outside of the nuclear power plants to assess the situation after the shelling and found significant damage that severely impairs the energy system's ability to ensure reliable electricity supply to the Ukrainian NPPs beyond the stations.

The head of the IAEA stated that the agency will continue to assess the damage to facilities and transmission lines that are vital for nuclear safety.

"The IAEA will continue to do everything in its power to reduce the risk of a nuclear incident during this tragic war," Grossi added.

In his statement, Grossi did not mention Russia as the state conducting shelling of Ukraine's energy infrastructure.