Nuclear technology uses the energy released by splitting the atoms of certain elements. It was first developed in the 1940s, and during the Second World War to 1945 research initially focussed on producing bombs by splitting the atoms of particular isotopes of either uranium or plutonium.
In the 1950s attention turned to the peaceful
purposes of nuclear fission, notably for power generation. Today, the world produces as much electricity from nuclear energy as it did from all sources combined in the early years of nuclear power. Civil nuclear power can now boast over 16,000 reactor years of experience and supplies almost 11.5% of global electricity needs, from reactors in 31 countries. In fact, through regional grids, many more than those countries depend on nuclear-generated power.
purposes of nuclear fission, notably for power generation. Today, the world produces as much electricity from nuclear energy as it did from all sources combined in the early years of nuclear power. Civil nuclear power can now boast over 16,000 reactor years of experience and supplies almost 11.5% of global electricity needs, from reactors in 31 countries. In fact, through regional grids, many more than those countries depend on nuclear-generated power.
Chernobyl Nuclear disaster was the history's worst nuclear disaster ever happened. It is situated in Ivankiv Raion of northern KievOblast, Ukraine near the border with Belarus. This city is now a ghost city after the nuclear disaster 28 years ago.
On April 26, 1986, a test was scheduled at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant to test a method of keeping the reactors properly cooled in the event of a power grid failure. If the test had gone as planned, the risk to the plant was very small. When things did go wrong, though, the potential for disaster was miscalculated and the test was continued even as serious problems arose. Meltdown occurred at 1:23 AM, starting a fire that dispersed large quantities of radioactive materials into the atmosphere. The amount of radioactive material released was 400 times more than the amount the atomic bombing of Hiroshima released. The fallout would be detected in almost all parts of Europe.
Chernobyl today
In the aftermath of the disaster, all work on the unfinished reactors 5 and 6 were stopped three years later. The trouble at the Chernobyl plant did not end with the disaster in reactor 4. The damaged reactor was sealed off; concrete was placed between the disaster site and the operational buildings. The Ukrainian government continued to let the three remaining reactors operate due to the need of energy in the country. A fire broke out in the turbine building of reactor 2 in 1991. This reactor was declared damaged beyond repair and had it taken offline. Reactor 1 was decommissioned in November 1996 as part of a deal between the Ukrainian government and international organizations such as the IAEA to end operations at the plant. On 15 December 2000, then-President Leonid Kuchma turned off Reactor 3 in an official ceremony, effectively shutting down the entire plant transforming the Chernobyl plant from energy producer to energy consumer.
The Chernobyl reactor is now enclosed in a large concrete sarcophagus which was built quickly to allow continuing operation of the other reactors at the plant. However, the structure is not strong or durable. Some major work on the sarcophagus was carried out in 1998 and 1999. Some 200 tonnes of highly radioactive material remains deep within it, and this poses an environmental hazard until it is better contained.Studies in the Ukraine, Russia and Belarus found, about 4000 cases of thyroid cancer had been diagnosed in exposed children. However, the rapid increase in thyroid cancers detected suggests that some of it at least is an artefact of the screening process. Thyroid cancer is usually not fatal if diagnosed and treated early A further 210,000 people were resettled into less contaminated areas, and the initial 30 km radius exclusion zone was modified and extended to cover 4300 square kilometres.
In January 2008 the Ukraine government announced a 4-stage decommissioning plan which incorporates the above waste activities and progresses towards a cleared site. A new Safe Confinement structure will be built by the end of 2011, and then will be put into place on rails.
Today about 6000 people work in the exclusion zone and dine at a cafeteria situated less than a mile from reactor No. 4. They have Geiger counters that monitors radiation level that it is safe to eat there. The workers are inspected radiation contamination and if objects are found it is confiscated and if the person himself is contaminated beyond the threshold level he is quarantined.
Ukraine Government is building a 100 Foot Tall Metal cocoon called Chernobyl New safe Confinement which should contain radiation for 100 years.The project is slated to be finished by 2017.
Right now the abandoned city is overtaken by nature with animals thriving on the nature that grew over the period of 28 years.
Enjoy reading and be open to the things that world has to offer.
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