The Cost and Construction of the Chernobyl New Safe Confinement

The Chernobyl disaster of 1986 remains one of the world's most significant nuclear accidents. As part of the extensive cleanup and containment efforts, a New Safe Confinement (NSC) was built over the damaged reactor. This article explores the cost and construction details of the NSC, providing insights into one of the largest and most complex engineering projects ever undertaken.

The Funding and Management

The construction of the New Safe Confinement involved significant international collaboration and funding. The project was managed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which coordinated the efforts of more than 40 nations. EBRD's role was to oversee the financing and management of the funds provided by these countries.

The New Safe Confinement was built in two segments, which were joined together in August 2015. The arch was then placed over the existing sarcophagus, which had been hastily constructed immediately after the disaster in 1986. The total cost of the NSC was estimated to be €2.15 billion, with €1.5 billion specifically allocated for the project through a special fund managed by the EBRD and supported by 45 countries.

The Structure and Design

The New Safe Confinement is an enormous structure, with a height of 108 meters, capable of covering the entire Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. It weighs an astonishing 36,000 tonnes and is designed to withstand conditions such as a tornado. The structure was built to last a century, ensuring the safe entombment of the remains of Reactor 4.

The design for the New Safe Confinement was undertaken by the French consortium Novarka, in collaboration with Vinci Construction Grands Projets and Bouygues Travaux Publics. The expertise of Western experts was enlisted to ensure the successful implementation of the project.

The construction process was no small feat. The segments were constructed separately, then joined together and carefully positioned to cover the existing sarcophagus. The entire structure was placed into position in November 2016, marking a significant milestone in the cleanup and containment efforts at Chernobyl.

Conclusion

The New Safe Confinement represents a remarkable achievement in engineering and international cooperation. It is not only a crucial step towards ensuring the long-term safety and stability of the Chernobyl site but also a testament to the resilience and determination of those involved in its construction. The project's impressive scale and strength make it a landmark in both safety and architectural innovation.

Keywords: Chernobyl New Safe Confinement, Chernobyl Disaster, Nuclear Entombment