The Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine, site of the devastating 1986 disaster, has suffered a setback to its long-term safety measures. The protective shield erected over the original damaged reactor has reportedly experienced a “loss of safety function” following a drone strike earlier this year.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN’s nuclear watchdog, conducted an inspection of the site recently and confirmed the damage. The protective shield, a massive structure completed in 2019 after a Europe-led initiative costing €1.5 billion, was designed to contain the melted-down nuclear fuel remaining within the original concrete sarcophagus built by the Soviets after the accident.
According to Ukrainian prosecutors, the damage occurred in February when the shield was struck by a Russian Shahed drone.
The IAEA Director General, Rafael Grossi, stated that the inspection revealed that the drone impact had compromised the steel structure of the shield.
The primary safety functions affected include the confinement capability of the structure.
However, the IAEA also noted that there was no permanent damage to the load-bearing structures or the monitoring systems.
Grossi emphasized the need for further action, stating that while some repairs have been carried out, “comprehensive restoration remains essential to prevent further degradation and ensure long-term nuclear safety.”
Kyiv authorities reported that the drone, carrying a high-explosive warhead, ignited a fire upon impact, damaging some of the protective cladding surrounding the reactor. Moscow has denied responsibility for the attack.
It was also reported that radiation levels remained normal, with no indications of any radiation leaks following the incident. This information aligns with initial reports released in February after the event.
The original concrete sarcophagus, hastily constructed in the aftermath of the 1986 explosion, was intended to have a lifespan of only 30 years. The new confinement building, standing over 100 metres tall, represents a significant upgrade in containing the hazardous materials within.
The incident at Chernobyl highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding the safety and security of nuclear facilities in Ukraine amidst the current conflict.
In addition to Chernobyl, significant fears persist regarding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is the largest of its kind in Europe.
The Zaporizhzhia plant has been relying on diesel backup generators since September 23rd, when its last external power line was severed.
This dependence on backup power raises serious concerns about the plant’s long-term operational safety.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has voiced alarm over the safety risks at Zaporizhzhia. He noted that the backup generators were never designed to operate for such an extended period.
Zelenskyy described the situation as “critical,” emphasizing that the generators and the plant itself were not engineered for this type of prolonged emergency operation.
The Zaporizhzhia plant has been under Russian occupation since the early stages of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and is currently not operational. Despite being shut down, the plant requires a reliable power supply to cool its six reactors and spent fuel, which is crucial to preventing a potential nuclear catastrophe.
The IAEA Director General, Rafael Grossi, has underscored the importance of these emergency diesel generators, acknowledging that they are designed as the “last line of defence” for cooling nuclear reactors. However, he expressed concern that their use has become “an all too common occurrence.”
Grossi warned that “as long as this devastating conflict goes on, nuclear safety and security remains under severe threat.” Despite some positive developments reported recently, he emphasized that the situation is far from resolved.
The situation at both Chernobyl and Zaporizhzhia underscores the precarious state of nuclear safety in Ukraine. The reliance on backup systems and the vulnerability of these facilities to military action pose significant risks that demand constant monitoring and international attention. The need for comprehensive restoration at Chernobyl and the establishment of a secure and reliable power supply at Zaporizhzhia are paramount to preventing future incidents and ensuring the safety of the region and beyond.