1. The Setting: Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant
Located in northern Ukraine, the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant was a cornerstone of the Soviet Union’s ambitious energy program. Just three kilometers from the bustling city of Pripyat, the plant consisted of four RBMK reactors, a design known for high power output but complex safety challenges. As a vital supplier of electricity to millions, Chernobyl was both a symbol of Soviet technological prowess and a critical link in the region’s energy grid.
