After 15 years of work, Eric Schmieman helped build a gigantic shield for the damaged reactor at Chernobyl, known as the New Safe Confinement. This structure, the world’s largest movable object, was meant to protect the world from further fallout from the nuclear disaster. Costing almost $1.7 billion and involving 45 countries and organizations, the shield faced a setback when a drone attack punctured a hole in the steel shell in February. The attack, believed to be from the Russians but denied by the Kremlin, led to a fire that burned for almost three weeks. Although the fire has been extinguished, roughly half of the shield has been damaged, requiring extensive repairs.
The damaged shield has compromised plans for dismantling the reactor and disposing of radioactive waste. Nuclear experts warn that repairs could take years and cost hundreds of millions of dollars. The integrity of the shield is in question, with experts exploring ways to fix the structure, with drones potentially playing a role.
Chernobyl, known for the 1986 explosion and resulting public health crisis, remains a symbol of nuclear disaster. The New Safe Confinement was built to protect against the radiation threat for a century, but the recent attack has raised concerns about the future of the structure and the safety of the surrounding area. The international community faces the challenge of restoring the shield to its original state and ensuring the safety of Chernobyl for years to come.
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