CHERNOBYL

The Remaining Test

What test hadn't been completed yet? If the external power grid collapsed, what would happen? Could the turbines keep the main generators running long enough to maintain power to the cooling water pumps during the critical minute before the diesel generators started? In 1986, the reactor had been running for three years and it was time to replace the fuel. Since the plant had to be shut down for refueling anyway, the opportunity was taken to run the remaining test.