Concerns Arise Over Damage to Chernobyl's Protective Shelter

Ukrainian authorities are currently engaged in efforts to address significant damage to the protective shell over the fourth reactor at the former Chernobyl nuclear power plant. This protective structure, known as the New Safe Confinement (NSC), was designed to contain the radioactive remnants of the reactor, which was severely damaged during the catastrophic explosion in 1986.

The NSC, which was completed in 2019 after a global fundraising initiative involving 45 donor countries that raised approximately EUR1.5 billion, suffered a serious breach on February 14, when it was struck by a Russian drone. The incident ignited a fire that caused considerable damage, which took weeks to extinguish.

The damage includes a large hole measuring around 15 square meters (approximately 162 square feet) and over 200 smaller holes created during firefighting operations. Hryhoriy Ishchenko, head of the State Agency of Ukraine on Exclusion Zone Management, indicated that experts are expected to arrive soon to assess the damage, with initial repair recommendations anticipated within a month.

While radiation levels in the area remain normal and operations continue as usual, there are growing concerns about the structural integrity of the NSC. The NSC was erected over an older containment structure known as the sarcophagus, which is still in place but is not entirely secure. There are reports of 18 unstable beams within the old sarcophagus, with three main beams posing a risk of collapse, potentially releasing radioactive material if they were to fail beneath the damaged NSC.

Experts have expressed that the current situation, while not posing an immediate threat, could lead to serious consequences if the integrity of the structure continues to degrade. Dmytro Humeniuk, a safety analysis expert, noted that the NSC's ability to contain nuclear fission products is compromised, creating concern about the potential environmental impact.

Despite the situation, authorities advise the public against stockpiling iodine tablets or planning for evacuations at this time. They underscore the regret that the international community's financial contributions toward the NSC's construction are now at risk due to the damage.

The complexities of repairing the NSC are significant, as on-site welding and repairs are complicated by high radiation levels, which could expose workers to contamination. Experts suggest that the protective shell may need to be relocated to its original construction site for repairs to be feasible, although the costs and logistics of such an operation remain uncertain.

Recent inspections by representatives from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development have led to a commitment of EUR400,000 for a specialist-led assessment of the damage, signifying the ongoing international concern regarding the state of the Chernobyl site.