The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, also known as the Vladimir Lenin Nuclear Power Plant, was one of the largest energy projects of the Soviet Union. Construction began in 1972, and the first reactor was commissioned in 1977.
The power plant had four reactors, each generating enormous amounts of electrical energy. Unfortunately, on 26 April 1986, a disaster occurred that changed the course of history. The explosion of the fourth reactor caused the release of vast quantities of radiation, leading to the evacuation of the city of Pripyat and the establishment of an exclusion zone.
The power plant is currently in the process of decommissioning, but it has also become a tourist destination. Visiting Chernobyl is possible, but it requires passing through numerous security checks. Afterwards, there is training and a short presentation, during which we learned a lot about the history as well as the future of the power plant.
We put on protective clothing
Next, we had the opportunity to walk down a corridor called the "Golden Mile," which led to various parts of the power plant.
We visited the turbine hall, where energy was once generated,
and the control room of the third reactor, which was the operational heart of the power plant.
We also looked at the large structure called the "Arka". It is the largest movable structure in the world, designed to cover the destroyed fourth reactor and prevent further radiation release.
Two weeks after our visit, the Ark was moved back into place, effectively covering the fourth reactor and providing an additional layer of protection. Therefore, it was the last chance to see the remnants of the 4th block of the power plant.
Chernobyl is a place full of history and emotions. Walking through the deserted corridors and viewing the monumental structures, one can feel both the power of human engineering and the fragility of our existence in the face of disaster. It is fascinating how nature and technology coexist in this place, creating a unique landscape that attracts people from all over the world.