A new project aimed at supporting restoration of safety, security and infrastructure has begun at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). The Chornobyl NPP is the Client for the project, and UTEM-Engineering LLC has been selected as the Consultant, with the contract already signed.
The project is funded through a grant from the International Chernobyl Cooperation Account (ICCA).
On October 3, the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant hosted its second on-site meeting to review potential locations for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) proposed by Chornobyl NPP and discuss land allocation matters.
Representatives from the State Agency of Ukraine on Exclusion Zone Management (SAUEZM), specialists from NNEGC Energoatom and Chornobyl NPP visited several locations within the Exclusion Zone and around the plant. This was followed by a technical discussion on the suitability of these sites for future SMR construction.
On 24 September 2024, a technical visit to the Chornobyl NPP was conducted by representatives of the volunteer organization “Climate Friends for Nuclear Energy”. This group, together with the Norwegian organization “Ukrainian Freedom Convoy” and other civil society groups in Norway, has been actively involved for some time in raising funds to provide essential equipment and resources for the Ukrainian military.
Last week, the Chornobyl NPP hosted a delegation of Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, as well as employees of diplomatic missions accredited in Ukraine. The visit was aimed at familiarization of the diplomats with the current state and processes at ChNPP, as well as to emphasise the importance of international cooperation in the field of nuclear and radiation safety.
During the visit, the guests visited the Unit 3 control room, went to the Shelter object and visited NSC central control room, where they had the opportunity to learn about the technological solutions and safety measures, ensuring the stability of this structure. Special attention was paid to the viewing of the space under the NSC arch.
Chornobyl NPP has received a second part of the humanitarian aid from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as part of a program to provide medical assistance to operating staff at Ukrainian nuclear power plants. This latest delivery includes 550 new beds complementing the 550 orthopedic mattresses received in early August. The support is aimed at improving the inter-shift rest conditions for Chornobyl NPP personnel who have been working in shifts for more than two years.
The IAEA’s assistance is very important as the new beds will provide the staff with more comfortable resting conditions after their shifts, contributing to enhanced efficiency in their work.
On 29 August 2024, Grant Agreement No. 3 was signed between the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Chornobyl NPP. This agreement provides for the financing of key works aimed at the safety improving and ChNPP facilities modernisation. The agreement is funded by donors from the International Chernobyl Cooperation Account (ICCA), which is administered by the EBRD.
One of the main areas of works, which will be financed under this agreement, is ISF-1 modernisation. Currently, spent nuclear fuel (SNF) from the first three power units of the Chornobyl NPP is temporarily stored in this storage facility. The main tasks of the modernisation are critically important for ensuring the safety of the facility, taking into account the need for long-term storage of spent nuclear fuel and the difficulties caused by military operations on the territory of Ukraine.
For the Day of the National Flag and the 33rd anniversary of the Independence of Ukraine, the solemn event was held in honor of the National symbols and to remind about the importance of the independence for our state.
As part of the celebration, the plant’s employees took a joint photo with the Ukrainian flag in front of the main building, demonstrating unity and patriotism. The photo became a symbol of collective unity at this important time for the country.
In early August, a technical meeting on technologies for processing irradiated graphite waste took place in Vienna, Austria. The Chornobyl NPP was represented by Oleksandr Novikov, Projects and Programs Manager of the Engineering Center.
During the meeting, Oleksandr Novikov presented information on the management of irradiated graphite in Ukraine and shared the experience of the Chornobyl NPP in this area.
The discussion of this issue is of paramount importance, - noted Oleksandr Novikov. – The current situation in the global nuclear energy sector is such that many older reactors have already been shut down, and even more are nearing the end of their operational lives. Worldwide, approximately 250,000 tons of radioactive graphite (irradiated graphite, or 'i-graphite') have accumulated.
| November 5, 1986 Unit 2 was commissioned after the accident |