Publication Laka-library:
Chernobyl; ten years after (1996)
| Author | BNIF |
| Date | April 1996 |
| Classification | 2.34.8.10/33 (CHERNOBYL ACCIDENT - CONSEQUENCES SURROUNDINGS - GENERAL) |
| Front | 
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From the publication:
INTRODUCTION The Chernobyl accident occurred in a station design (RBMK) which could have never been licensed in the West, and which was run in quite a way contrary to the safety culture of a nation like the UK. Certain technical improvements in the RBMK, and developments in the training of operators, have made a repeat of the accident less likely. Nonetheless the question of closure of the other two operating reactors at the plant will continue to arise. The West and the Ukraine's top priority is to ensure that there is no recurrence of the accident. The Ukraine's other priority is to generate as much electricity as possible for its energy-starved economy. The nuclear industry of the West strongly urges sources of funds such as the G7 and European Union- to provide resources to meet these priorities. The best solution would be for international funds to be made available to provide alternative means of generating electricity, either by completing safer nuclear power stations, or by building other types of capacity (eg gas turbines or coal-fired stations). The next best would be to upgrade safety features at Chernobyl and the other 15 RBMKs in the former Soviet Union. It would, however, be unacceptable to do nothing; or to demand the immediate closure of Chernobyl without arranging for alternative capacity, thus risking many lives through the effects of the cold etc. There is still an important legal obstacle which is standing in the way of Western contractors who would like to take part in the programmes of hardware improvement at the plant, namely the fact that the Ukraine is not yet part of the Vienna Convention. Countries which have acceded to the Vienna Convention agree to channel all liability for third party damage from a nuclear installation to the operator of that installation, and undertake to make all the necessary financial provisions to be able to meet such liabilities. Without such a provision, Western contractors could be faced with huge financial liabilities. These fact sheets have been kept as brief as is compatible with a balanced presentation of the facts. If further information is required please write to: Roger Hayes, Director-General, British Nuclear Industry Forum, 22 Buckingham Gate, London, SW1 E 6LB
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