The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported on August 13 that Ukraine has plans to begin temporary repair work on the New Safe Confinement (NSC) at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in autumn 2025. The IAEA’s Director General, Rafael Mariano Grossi, mentioned this in the report. The NSC is a massive structure designed to protect the damaged core of Reactor No. 4 from the elements and to prevent further contamination. This development was communicated to the IAEA by Ukrainian authorities.
The NSC, which was assembled in the late 1980s and completed in the year 2000, is a critical component of the ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and stability of the Chernobyl site. The temporary repair work is expected to be part of a broader initiative to maintain and enhance the structural integrity of the NSC. This initiative is likely to be carried out by Ukrainian experts, with potential support from international partners.
The IAEA’s statement highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and maintenance activities at the Chernobyl site, which is still considered a high-risk area due to the lingering radiation and the potential for further environmental impact. The planned repairs are anticipated to be part of a larger strategy to assess and manage the long-term risks associated with the Chernobyl disaster. The exact details of the work, including the scope and duration, were not disclosed in the initial report.