Chornobyl is again churning out energy – not nuclear, but solar power.
In the shadows of the shuttered nuclear power plant that was the scene to the world’s worst nuclear disaster more than 30 years ago, rows of solar panels have been erected, producing enough energy to light up hundreds of homes.
It’s all part of a bold plan by Ukraine to develop alternative sources of energy.
Upon gaining independence, post-Soviet Ukraine relied on Russia to meet most of its energy needs. But the strategy came with risks, such as in 2006 and 2009, when disputes led Russia to temporarily halt its gas transit via Ukraine and threaten European imports.