Name and Location
Chernobyl nuclear reactor 4 new safe confinement (NSC) structure project, Ukraine.
Client
Chernobyl Shelter Fund, which is being managed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
Project Description
The NSC forms part of the Chernobyl shelter implementation plan (SIP), which provides a step-by-step strategy for making the site of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear reactor 4 disaster into an environmentally safe and secure site.
The structure is 110 m high, 165 m long, a span of 260 m and a weight of more than 30 000 t. Its frame is a lattice construction of tubular steel members built on two longitudinal concrete beams. It will be the largest structure erected on a contaminated site. The NSC will be assembled in two halves. It will be equipped with automated heavy-duty cranes. Once fully assembled, it will slide over the current shelter housing reactor 4.
The structure will prevent the intrusion of water and snow, and provide equipment for the eventual deconstruction and dismantling of the old shelter and the remnants of the damaged reactor.
The structure will be strong enough to withstand a tornado and its complex ventilation system will eliminate the risk of corrosion, ensuring that there is no need to replace the coating and expose workers to radiation during the structure’s lifetime of at least 100 years.
Value
The cost of the entire Chernobyl SIP, of which the NSC is the most prominent project, is estimated at about €2.15-billion based on a thorough and complete analysis of the final approved design of the NSC and of the current advanced status of the design and installation of its auxiliary systems.
Duration
Construction on the NSC started with excavation works in late 2010. The project is scheduled to be completed by end of 2017.
Latest Developments
The construction of the NSC project has passed a new landmark.
The second half of the giant structure was successfully lifted to its full height of 110 m in a full-day operation on October 24. Subject to weather conditions, the two halves will be joined before the end of the year.
Key Contracts and Suppliers
Novarka joint venture, comprising Vinci Construction Grands Projets and Bouygues Travaux Publics (NCS construction).
On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.
Contact Details for Project Information
Nuclear Safety Department of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, tel +44 20 7338 7195,
fax +44 20 7338 7175 or email nuclearsafety@ebrd.com
Vinci Construction Grands Projets, tel +33 1 47 16 39 00 or fax +33 1 47 51 46 26.
Bouygues Travaux Publics press, tel +33 1 3060 5868 or fax +33 1 3060 2091.