The story of Chernobyl. Part one: Construction of the plant and its operational life

Construction of the first nuclear power plant in Soviet Ukraine started in 1972. This location was chosen because of being relatively close to Kiev and nearby Pripyat river for cooling

Construction was rapid, it took only 5 years for the first reactor to start in 1977. It was followed by second reactor in 1971, third in 1981 and fourth in 1983

750kV power lines were erected to transfer power from the plant to Ukraine and Belarus. Power plant had a backup power line of 330kV to be used in case of emergency. During normal operation the plant used its own electricity. In case of a total loss of power the plant can be powered for 30 seconds by turbogenerators spinning down and then by diesel generators

Third reactor nearing completion in 1980. The first two reactors were first generation, same as in Kursk and Leningrad, third and fourth were second generation which had more advanced safety systems. All reactors were RBMK-1000. Each had 2x500MW turbogenerators totaling in 1 gigawatt of power.

Installing pressure tubes. Each reactor had 1661 of them. Reactors were controlled by 167 control rods, 32 short rods inserted from bellow the reactor and 12 automatic control rods. Reactors also had 12 startup neutron sources to help initiate fission.

Working on pressure tubes

Installing fuel rods. New fuel rods are harmless as zirconium casing shields from radiation pretty well

The completed turbine hall in 1985

Each reactor was controlled from a control room. Most of operation were carried by automated system SKALA but operators had to control the reactor manually for two hours each shift so they won't lose their knowledge and will be able to take actions in case of an accident

Diesel generator provided emergency power in case of emergency

Power plant seen from Pripyat

Completed unit four

One fuel channel was used to test semiconductors ability to work in highly radioactive environment. Here marked channel 20-51

Reactors had the ability to be refueled while in operation

Each reactor had four low pressure steam turbines and two high pressure turbines

Reactors were monitored and controlled by SKALA system

Multichannel dosimetry monitoring system "System 8004-01"

"KALINA" monitored radioactivity in ventilation stack