M. O. Berezhok
Institute for Safety Problems of Nuclear Power Plants, NAS of Ukraine, 12, Lysohirska St., Kyiv, 03028, Ukraine
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6088-1132
V. S. Havrylenko
Institute for Safety Problems of Nuclear Power Plants, NAS of Ukraine, 12, Lysohirska St., Kyiv, 03028, Ukraine
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0325-7824
I. V. Kutsyna
Institute for Safety Problems of Nuclear Power Plants, NAS of Ukraine, 12, Lysohirska St., Kyiv, 03028, Ukraine
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8655-1724
DOI: doi.org/10.31717/2311-8253.26.2.8
Abstract
The article summarizes the results of the scientific and research activities of the Institute for Safety Problems of Nuclear Power Plants of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in 2025 under conditions of prolonged military influence and increased threats to critical nuclear infrastructure. The paper presents the main scientific and technical achievements related to ensuring nuclear and radiation safety during wartime, with particular attention paid to the operation and post-accident management of the “New Safe Confinement-Shelter Object” (NSC-SO) complex at the Chornobyl NPP site. Special focus is placed on investigations of the consequences of the February 14, 2025 combat drone impact on the NSC confinement, including assessment of radioactive aerosol releases, disturbance of aerodynamic and temperature-humidity conditions, and evaluation of nuclear safety parameters of fuel-containing materials. It is shown that despite local damage and temporary depressurization of the confinement, radiation conditions and nuclear safety parameters remained controllable. The article considers the development of approaches to predictive diagnostics and monitoring of reactor facilities with VVER reactors under conditions of long-term operation, implementation of new fuel types, and wartime challenges. Neural-network-based methods for diagnostics of fuel cladding degradation and thermal-hydraulic crisis states, as well as integrated models of neutron-physical, thermal-hydraulic, vibration, and electrotechnical processes are described. The results obtained form the basis for transition from reactive to predictive approaches in nuclear facility operation and safety assessment. Considerable attention is devoted to research on spent nuclear fuel management, radioactive waste processing, and treatment of irradiated graphite. The article also summarizes studies in the field of radioecological safety and environmental monitoring, including investigations of radionuclide migration in groundwater and the impact of forest fires in radioactively contaminated areas. Integrated monitoring systems combining field observations, laboratory analyses, mathematical modeling, and unmanned aerial vehicle technologies were developed and implemented. The role of international scientific and technical cooperation with IAEA, NATO, Horizon Europe, and leading foreign research institutions is highlighted. It is shown that the obtained results form a scientific and technical basis for increasing the resilience of nuclear energy facilities, improving emergency preparedness, and managing radiation risks under modern military and technological challenges.
Keywords: Institute for Safety Problems of Nuclear Power Plants, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, support of the state and international partners, assessment of activity effectiveness, coverage of scientific achievements..
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