In September Ukraine is going to conclude the Agreement for construction of a new protective containment around the 4th unit of Chernobyl NPP, which was surrounded by sarcophagus after Chernobyl accident in 1986, Russian news and information agency RIA Novosti wrote.

French company Novarka has been chosen as a Contractor.

The cost of the Contract estimated is about 490 million EUR. On July 17 the Assembly of countries- donors of Chernobyl NPP Shelter Fund including the G8-group, European Union and Ukraine approved this Contract.

Ukrainian President Victor Yushenko signed earlier the Decree for urgent construction of the new sarcophagus followed after June resolution of the National Safety Council of Ukraine. The Council noted in particular "the safety of shut down units is getting worse due to ageing and termination of service life, up to now nuclear fuel isn't discharged from these units."

Meantime, on July 23 Ukrainian newspaper Delo reported, "up to now there is no means to carry out construction work at Chernobyl NPP. On July 18 the Assembly of donors promised to finance construction again, but not to do it. Obviously, money will be transferred until this autumn.

SOURCE: AtomInfo.Ru

DATE: July 28, 2007

Topics: NPP, Ukraine, Decommissioning, France