Chernobyl new safe confinement completes final tests
A significant milestone in the history of nuclear safety!
The New Safe Confinement (NSC) structure, built over the damaged reactor at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, has completed its final tests and is now ready to be officially handed over to the Ukrainian authorities.
The NSC is a massive steel arch, 108 meters (354 feet) tall and 163 meters (535 feet) wide, designed to cover the damaged reactor and prevent further radioactive material from leaking into the environment. The structure was built to last for at least 100 years and is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, earthquakes, and other natural disasters.
The NSC was constructed over a period of five years, from 2013 to 2017, at a cost of around €1.5 billion (approximately $1.7 billion USD). The project was a collaborative effort between the Ukrainian government, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the French company Novarka, which was responsible for the construction of the NSC.
The final tests, which began in June 2020, aimed to ensure that the NSC could withstand various scenarios, including:
- Seismic activity: The structure was subjected to simulated earthquakes to test its stability and ability to withstand seismic shocks.
- Wind and weather: The NSC was tested to ensure it could withstand extreme winds, heavy rainfall, and other weather conditions.
- Fire and explosion: The structure was designed to resist fires and explosions, and was tested to ensure it could contain any potential hazards.
The successful completion of these tests marks a significant milestone in the decontamination and decommissioning of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. The NSC will now be officially handed over to the Ukrainian authorities, who will be responsible for its maintenance and operation.
The New Safe Confinement structure is a testament to international cooperation and the commitment to ensuring the safe and responsible management of nuclear facilities. It will play a crucial role in preventing further radioactive contamination and ensuring the long-term safety of the environment and public health.