Sarcophagus: July 2009 Archives

Vladimir Shandra, head of Ukraine's Ministry of Emergency Measures, estimates construction costs for Chernobyl's New Safe Confinement structure will be approximately $1.6 billion. Final cost estimates for the project will be determined before the end of 2009.

According to Vince Novak, Director of Nuclear Safety for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Chernobyl Shelter Fund and Nuclear Safety Account combined have enough funds to carry out scheduled activities and projects at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant until 2011.

Novak did acknowledge that the ongoing global economic crisis complicates the search for donor funds to finance the projects. However, he noted that everything will be done to ensure the projects are completed successfully. Shandra indicated Ukraine plans to appropriate future funds to implement ongoing projects at the Chernobyl Plant.

It's nice that Shandra is willing to commit funds to Chernobyl projects, but Ukraine is in such a deep economic mess right now that I have no idea where he plans to find that money.

Also, it should be noted that construction of the New Safe Confinement structure is scheduled for completion in 2012. So, EBRD does not currently have enough money in the funds to finish construction of the new Shelter. If completion is delayed, at least the original Sarcophagus has been stabilized and should be able to remain standing for the foreseeable future.