What is the New Safe Confinement at Chernobyl?
Posted on Feb 24, 2026 / Travel
The New Safe Confinement (NSC) is a massive steel structure built to cover Reactor 4 and the old sarcophagus that was quickly put together after the accident. This arch‑shaped shield was completed in the 2010s to keep radioactive dust and debris from escaping and to make it safer to dismantle the old structure and clean up contaminated materials. It was designed to last about 100 years and give workers a safer environment to remove waste inside. In 2025, a drone strike damaged part of the NSC’s outer membrane, and the International Atomic Energy Agency said the shield has lost some of its primary safety functions, though its main frame remains stable. Temporary repairs have been made while full restoration is being planned and funded by international cooperation. Even with the damage, the structure still plays an important role in containing radioactive material and reducing risks around the old reactor. Continued international support is helping ensure long‑term containment and safety at the site.
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