Stabilization activities at ChNPP Shelter Object successfully completed

The Stabilization Consortium leaded by JSC Atomstroyexport has successfully completed the stabilization activities at the Shelter Object of Chernobyl NPP. Andrey Bilyk, head of the Acceptance Board and ChNPP Chief Engineer, signed an Account on implemented works and the object availability for operation.

A unique project on reinforcement of the Shelter Object built after 1986 beyond-basis accident for the environment protection reasons, symbolized a further step in making ChNPP an environment-safe system.

Owing to the works that had been performed for three years and managed by Atomstroyexport, the sarcophagus reliability had increased while its safe operation had been extended to 10-15 years. The implementation of stabilization activities allowed for the time necessary for a new safe confinement construction over the Unit.

As Viktor Havrus, the Project Manager on behalf of ChNPP, puts it: "I cannot assert that the works performed for the stabilization of the Shelter structures have not been done in the world before. However, I can declare that the similar works have never been done under such complicated conditions and in such a large scale. That is, the innovation and uniqueness of the Project are indisputable".

According to Igor Gramotkin, a ChNPP Chief Manager, "The Contract for the stabilization activities became the most successful project implemented at Chernobyl NPP owing to JSC Atomstroyexport projects management experience, high professional expertise of Yuzhteploenergomontazh and other companies as well as the work of hundreds of people - engineers, designers, fitters and builders".

L.Dodd, a Director of the SIP Project Management Group, expressed appreciation for the efficient arrangement of the works aimed at timely fulfillment of the liabilities while ensuring the appropriate personnel safety level and quality of works.

Information.

The contract for the stabilization activities implementation was concluded in 2004 between the Stabilization Consortium and Chernobyl NPP within the Shelter Implementation Plan (SIP) financed by the Chernobyl Shelter Fund. The Fund is administered by EBRD.

In 2006 the Stabilization Consortium completed works of the first and the second commissioning packages.

The Stabilization Consortium's leader - JSC Atomstroyexport - is a leading Russian organization, implementing intergovernmental agreements for the construction of nuclear power-engineering objects abroad. At present, it is the only company in the world concurrently constructing 7 power-generating units for Nuclear Power Plants in China, India, Iran and Bulgaria.

SOURCE: JSC Atomstroyexport

DATE: May 23, 2007

Topics: NPP, Atomstroyexport, East Europe, Ukraine, Decommissioning