The European Union (EU) has officially passed the keys to the New Safe Confinement (sarcophagus), constructed atop the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant’s reactor number four destroyed in 1986, to Ukraine on Wednesday. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky took part in the ceremony.
The construction of the New Safe Confinement over the old Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant sarcophagus, also known as the Shelter Structure, began in 2012 following extensive preparations at the site.
General view of the new Safe Confinement covering the 4th block of Chernobyl Nuclear power plant in Chernobyl, Ukraine.
Due to the large size of the sarcophagus, it had to be built in two stages, which were then lifted up and successfully merged in 2015. A crane was installed inside the arch of the sarcophagus to dismantle the existing old Shelter Structure and the remains of the reactor number four. The new confinement is designed to be in operation for 100 years. It cost 1.5 billion euros.
Photo: EPA-EFE/SERGEY DOLZHENKO
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