nuclear-news

Chernobyl safety effort stalled – too expensive

Chernobyl safety structure short of funds , MOSCOW, Feb. 2 (UPI) –– A shelter to cover and secure the wreckage of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is only half funded and construction may have to stop, Russian officials say.The new shelter is being built over the existing “sarcophagus” that covers almost 200 tons of melted nuclear fuel rods left inside the damaged reactor as a result of the 1986 disaster, the BBC reported Wednesday.

Following the explosion on April 26, 1986, thousands of workers risked their lives and health to build the sarcophagus, always intended to be temporary, around the reactor.

The new permanent cover is expected to cost $2.2 billion, but despite promises made at successive Group of 8 conferences, funding is still falling short, officials said. Chernobyl safety structure short of funds – UPI.com

February 3, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | safety, Ukraine