Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant sarcophagus, Nuclear containment structure in Pripyat, Ukraine
The New Safe Confinement is a large arched steel structure in Pripyat, Ukraine, built to fully enclose the damaged reactor block 4 of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. It rests on concrete foundations and contains an internal rail system for maintenance work, along with monitoring equipment to track conditions inside.
After the 1986 accident, a first concrete cover was built in less than seven months to stop the immediate release of radioactive material. The current steel structure was slid over the old sarcophagus in 2016 and is designed to last for at least a century.
Scientists from different countries work inside today, monitoring radiation levels and conducting research on nuclear safety. This daily international work is one of the few active research efforts that visitors can observe from within the exclusion zone.
The exterior can be viewed from a safe distance, and guided tours through the zone offer explanations about the technical details and safety measures in place. Access to the exclusion zone requires a special permit and compliance with strict radiation protection rules.
The steel structure was first assembled beside the old sarcophagus and then pushed into its final position using hydraulic systems. This method allowed workers to build most of the structure away from the most contaminated area, reducing their exposure significantly.
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