Chernobyl: sarcophagus completion still not guaranteed
Germany is expediting the efforts to complete the Chernobyl sarcophagus during its G7 presidency. The additional shelter around the destroyed reactor in Ukraine is to prevent further hazards to people and the environment due to nuclear radiation. However, the financing of the New Safe Containment (NSC), 108 metres high, 162 metres long and spanning 257 metres, is as yet not secured: There is still a funding gap of 615 million euros to complete the project. The G7 pledge made in 1997 to convert the site into an environmentally safe condition in return for closing down the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is at risk.