Ukraine Launches Construction of New Sarcophagus around Chernobyl Reactor

A handout photo released by environment organisation Greenpeace on 26 April 2011 shows a projection by activists on the wall of the Chernobyl `Sarcophagus`, the concrete cover of the damaged reactor, on the same day and at the same hour exactly 25 years a

Ukraine will launch Thursday the construction of a new sarcophagus around the destroyed nuclear reactor at the Chernobyl plant.

The step aims to secure the zone around the nuclear power station, which is still characterized by high radiation.

The construction of the new safety cover is scheduled to be completed in 2015, according to reports of international news agencies.

Some experts, however, have voiced doubts that the radiation problem will be solved with the new sarcophagus because the remaining radioactive material will not be removed.

On April 26, 1986, Bloch 4 at the Chernobyl nuclear station exploded, releasing several tons of radioactive material into its surroundings.

A concrete mantle was put up in the first few months after the disaster, but the facility is said to be in danger of collapsing.

The construction of the new confinement is expected to cost around EUR 980 M and will be executed by French Novarka Consortium.

The new safety cover is intended to ensure the safety of the reactor for a period of 100 years.

The arch-shaped metal structure will be 105m tall, 260m wide and 150m long.

The construction of the new sarcophagus will be officially inaugurated on Thursday, April 26, the 26th anniversary of the Chernobyl reactor disaster.

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