Damage to the new safe confinement
The new safe confinement (NSC) over the fourth reactor of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant has suffered serious damage due to Russian shelling, posing a threat to the long-term safety of the facility. This high-tech system, designed with a double roof, conditioning, and insulation, now has hundreds of deformed technological openings, allowing for condensation and rust.
It is worth noting that the dimensions of the NSC exceed those of the Statue of Liberty, emphasizing its significance for ensuring safety in the exclusion zone. However, experts indicate that the planning of attacks on the confinement may have been carried out by specialists from 'Rosatom'. The main risk is the potential release of radioactive dust inside the arch in the event of the collapse of structures from the old 'Shelter' facility.
Need for urgent action
Jan Vande Putte, a nuclear safety expert, notes that 'the confinement will not collapse tomorrow due to corrosion', but the situation requires urgent action.
Vande Putte adds that 'the exclusion zone exists to localize such incidents', but current events demand serious attention and actions from the international community.
Thus, the damage to the NSC reveals not only current problems but also questions the effectiveness of safety measures at Chernobyl in the future. It is essential for the relevant authorities to take urgent steps to ensure the stability and safety of this critical nuclear infrastructure. Given the geopolitical situation and risks associated with the war, the international community must take active measures to support Ukraine in ensuring safety at Chernobyl and preventing potential disasters that could have global implications.