Tenders out to rebuild Chernobyl nuclear power plant

A formal invitation to tender for work to build a safe new shelter for the destroyed Chernobyl nuclear power plant unit 4 has been issued.

The Chernobyl Shelter Fund has secured more than £472m for the project, involving the new arch-shaped shelter being assembled in a safe area nearby, then slid across to house the reactor's remains, minimising radiation exposure for workers.

The fund plans to complete the 100m-high and 250m-wide shelter by 2008. It would be big enough to house the Statue of Liberty.