The Chernobyl Shield Is Broken – Here’s What That Means

About this video

• Video Title: The Chernobyl Shield Is Broken – Here’s What That Means
• Channel: The B1M
• Speakers: Simon Evans, Jim Smith
• Duration: 00:21:45

Overview

This video discusses the damage to the New Safe Confinement (NSC) at Chernobyl caused by a drone strike and explores the implications of this event. It details the history and engineering of the NSC, the original Sarcophagus, the nature of the Chernobyl disaster, and the challenges faced in maintaining the site, including the impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Key takeaways

• NSC Damage: A Russian drone strike on February 14, 2025, created a significant hole in the New Safe Confinement (NSC) at Chernobyl, damaging its outer and inner cladding and causing a fire.
• Engineering of the NSC: The NSC is a massive €2BN structure designed to last 100 years, built in two halves on tracks and slid into place to entomb the damaged reactor four and facilitate future dismantling. It features a sophisticated roof design with an annular space to regulate air pressure and humidity, preventing radioactive dust release.
• Original Sarcophagus: Built hastily after the 1986 disaster, the original "Sarcophagus" was a heroic but flawed structure designed to contain the radioactive material. It began showing signs of instability within 10 years.
• Chernobyl Disaster: The 1986 accident was a runaway nuclear reaction, not a nuclear bomb explosion, which released fission products into the atmosphere. 95% of the radioactive waste remained inside the reactor core.
• Impact of the War: The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 led to troops driving through radioactive zones, potentially releasing dust, and digging trenches in the Red Forest. The war has also created logistical challenges for workers and severely impacted funding for decommissioning efforts.
• Future Challenges: While the NSC is not in immediate danger, a collapse of the precarious Sarcophagus within it could release radioactive dust. Repairing the NSC is a complex challenge, and current options are limited, with international collaboration and funding being crucial for future remediation.