Chernobyl Exclusion Zone to host new 1GW wind farm

Despite Russia's invasion, Ukraine has high hopes for the exclusion zone to become a beacon of clean and eco-friendly energy. The plan, at present, is for the German company Notus Energy will build the wind farm, while the Ukrainian transmission system operator Ukrenergo will operate it. However, the project will not be without its hazards. Despite almost 40 years passing since the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant disaster, there are still concerns about the safety of working in the radiated zone for an extended period.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) states that certain radioactive materials, including Strontium-90 and Cesium-137, are still present in the exclusion zone's atmosphere. However, they are at exposure levels that are tolerable for limited periods of time. In fact, some Ukrainians have even chosen to go back to their former residences in recent years. Although the level of exposure is above average, extended exposure to minor doses of radiation is not as harmful as immediate exposure to significant amounts.

There are also obvious concerns around the ongoing military conflict in the country which could significantly impact such a project. While most of the fighting is to the East of Ukraine, there will be a chance of breakouts and potential attacks from missiles and ordinances to contend with. There will also be the potential for radiation exposure during groundworks as discovered by Russian soldiers during the earlier stages of Russia's invasion back in 2022. Several Russian soldiers who dug around the power plant suffered from radiation sickness.

To this end, Recharge, a green energy news website, reports that the project's partners are currently evaluating how to proceed with the venture. This includes identifying suitable locations to minimize the environmental impact and reduce possible radiation exposure risks.

'Exclusion' to 'Recovery'

According to officials in Ukraine, the proposal to convert the exclusion zone into a "recovery zone" was already being developed prior to Russia's invasion in February 2022. Despite the region being under Russian control for a brief period, those involved with the project maintain that the invasion has only caused a delay in the country's Chernobyl vision rather than destroying it.

After being known as a symbol of disaster for 40 years, Chernobyl is now ready to begin a new chapter focused on green energy.