Resources & Stats

Since the accident at Chernobyl Unit 4 in 1986, Soviet-designed reactors—especially the RBMK design used at Chernobyl—have been the subject of considerable scrutiny. Experts in the West—from international organizations, independent groups and governments—as well as specialists in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe have examined the designs and performance of these nuclear plants. From the time it was first issued in 1992, the Source Book on Soviet-Designed Nuclear Power Plants has tracked much of this activity, from the plants’ operation to efforts aimed at improving their safety. There has been forward movement on the issue of Soviet reactor safety. While neither smooth nor consistent, nor always enough to satisfy, it is progress all the same.