The protective structure enveloping the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine, a crucial safeguard against radiation leaks, has suffered damage following a drone strike earlier this year. This incident, according to the United Nations nuclear watchdog, has compromised the shield’s “safety function.”
The protective shield, the culmination of a European-led initiative completed in 2019 at a substantial cost of €1.5 billion, was designed to encase the original concrete sarcophagus hastily constructed in the aftermath of the 1986 disaster. The Ukrainian prosecutor’s office reported that the structure sustained damage in February due to a strike by a Russian Shahed drone.
An inspection conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) revealed the impact of the drone had degraded the steel structure.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated that the inspection “confirmed that the (protective structure) had lost its primary safety functions, including the confinement capability, but also found that there was no permanent damage to its load-bearing structures or monitoring systems.”
He further emphasized the need for comprehensive repairs, stating that while some repairs had been undertaken, “comprehensive restoration remains essential to prevent further degradation and ensure long-term nuclear safety.”
According to authorities in Kyiv, the drone that struck the shield was carrying a high-explosive warhead. The impact ignited a fire and damaged some of the protective cladding surrounding the reactor. However, Moscow has denied any involvement in an attack on the plant.
Following the incident in February, reports indicated that radiation levels remained within normal limits, and there were no reported radiation leaks, according to the UN.
Historical Context: The Chernobyl Disaster
The Chernobyl disaster of 1986 remains a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of nuclear accidents. The explosion at the plant released significant amounts of radiation across Europe, necessitating the construction of a concrete sarcophagus to contain the immediate fallout.
However, this initial structure was designed with a limited lifespan of approximately 30 years. The new, multilayered confinement building, reaching over 100 metres in height, was built to ensure the long-term containment of the melted-down nuclear fuel remaining under the original sarcophagus.
Concerns Extend to Other Nuclear Facilities
The incident at Chernobyl has heightened existing anxieties regarding the ongoing fighting near Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, particularly the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in the south, which is the largest facility of its kind in Europe.
The Zaporizhzhia plant has been relying on diesel backup generators for power since September 23, when its last remaining external power line was severed.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly voiced concerns about the safety risks at Zaporizhzhia. In October, he highlighted the unprecedented duration for which the backup generators have been operating.
Zelenskyy articulated his concerns, stating, “The generators and the plant were not designed for this,” and described the situation as “critical.”
The Zaporizhzhia plant is situated in an area occupied by Russia since the early stages of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and is currently not operational. Nevertheless, it requires a reliable power supply to cool its six shutdown reactors and spent fuel pools, preventing potential catastrophic nuclear events.
The Role of Emergency Diesel Generators
Grossi emphasized that emergency diesel generators are intended as the “last line of defence” to ensure the cooling of nuclear reactors. However, their frequent use has become “an all too common occurrence.”
He expressed his concern about the overall situation, stating, “As long as this devastating conflict goes on, nuclear safety and security remains under severe threat. Today, we had some rare positive news to report, but we are far from being out of the woods yet.”
The situation underscores the precariousness of nuclear facilities amidst ongoing conflict and the urgent need for measures to ensure their safety and security. The damage to the Chernobyl protective shield serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of military actions near nuclear sites. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of preventing any further escalation that could endanger nuclear safety.
The vulnerability of these facilities highlights the need for:
- Enhanced Security Measures: Strengthening the physical protection of nuclear plants to withstand potential attacks, including drone strikes and other forms of aggression.
- Reliable Power Supply: Ensuring uninterrupted access to external power sources for cooling reactors and spent fuel, minimizing reliance on emergency generators.
- International Monitoring and Oversight: Maintaining a strong presence of international observers to monitor the safety and security of nuclear facilities and provide independent assessments.
- Diplomatic Efforts: Intensifying diplomatic efforts to de-escalate conflicts and prevent military activities near nuclear sites.
Addressing these challenges is crucial to safeguarding nuclear safety and preventing another catastrophe with potentially devastating consequences for Ukraine, the surrounding region, and the global community.