The International Atomic Energy Agency has announced the completion of critical repair work at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, restoring electricity to parts of Ukraine after the facility stopped operating when it came under Russian control in 2022.

IAEA’s director-general, Rafael Mariano Grossi, confirmed the development in a statement on Friday, stating that the repair work will also limit the risk of nuclear catastrophes amid the ongoing military actions between Ukraine and Russia.

The nuclear plant is still staffed by Ukrainian personnel despite Russian control.

“Repairs have been completed on a key power line and other energy infrastructure vital for nuclear safety at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), as part of efforts to strengthen its access to the electricity grid and help reduce the risk of a nuclear accident during the military conflict,” the agency said.

According to Mr Grossi, the IAEA secured six temporary ceasefire agreements following months-long negotiations, after which extensive de-mining operations were carried out before repair work at the nuclear plant commenced.

“Of the six temporary ceasefires that we have negotiated since late last year to help protect nuclear safety at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, this was the most challenging to implement.

“It required several months of delicate negotiations, followed by mine clearance and repairs on high pylons across the Dnipro River. The IAEA monitored these activities on the ground to confirm they were carried out as agreed,” Mr Grossi noted.

The agency revealed that repairs were carried out at two locations: the 750-kilovolt Dniprovska power line, which has been out of service since March, and the Zaporizhzhya Thermal Power Plant switchyard, which has experienced repeated disconnections in recent weeks.

Both locations are essential components of ZNPP’s energy infrastructure. The ZTPP has since been reconnected to the transmission system, while connection efforts for 750 kilovolts are not expected to be completed anytime soon due to extensive damage.

“The line has been repaired, but it still needs to be brought back into operation. Repeated damage to the electrical infrastructure on which nuclear power plants depend continues to create serious nuclear safety and security risks.

“I once again call for maximum military restraint around all nuclear facilities and the power infrastructure they require,” Mr Grossi stated

Additionally, the IAEA mentioned that it is monitoring other nuclear facilities in Ukraine, including the South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant and the Chornobyl site, where drones and military activities were detected recently.