What is the New Safe Confinement at Chernobyl?

The New Safe Confinement (NSC) is a massive steel structure built over the Chernobyl No. 4 reactor to contain radioactive material and ensure site safety.

Was Chernobyl's protective shield damaged?

Yes, the New Safe Confinement dome at Chernobyl was severely damaged by a drone strike in February and has lost some of its primary safety functions.

What is the IAEA's recommendation for Chernobyl's damaged dome?

The IAEA recommends a major renovation of the New Safe Confinement to prevent further degradation and ensure long-term nuclear safety at the Chernobyl site.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Chernobyl's Shield Damaged by Drone, IAEA Warns

Chernobyl's Shield Damaged by Drone, IAEA Warns

7 Dec

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Summary

Chernobyl's New Safe Confinement dome was damaged by a drone strike in February.
The IAEA stated the dome has lost its primary safety functions and containment capability.
A major renovation is recommended to prevent further degradation of the structure.

Chernobyl's Shield Damaged by Drone, IAEA Warns

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported that the New Safe Confinement (NSC) at the Chernobyl nuclear disaster site sustained severe damage from a drone strike earlier this year, compromising its ability to contain radioactive waste. The massive steel structure, built to cover the ruined No. 4 reactor, has lost its primary safety functions, including containment capabilities, according to an IAEA statement.

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi highlighted that while limited temporary repairs have been conducted on the roof, a comprehensive restoration is crucial to avert further degradation and ensure the site's long-term nuclear safety. He assured that no permanent damage had occurred to the dome's load-bearing structures or monitoring systems, and the IAEA maintains a permanent presence to support restoration efforts.