As of the end of July 2024, 25 innovative RADNOTE stations have been installed, with plans to deploy over 100 stations across all regions of Ukraine. This initiative aims to provide reliable radiation monitoring, unaffected by power outages, ensuring public safety and transparency.
Innovative Features of the RADNOTE Stations
The RADNOTE radiation background monitoring stations are designed to be self-sufficient and resilient:
Solar-Powered with Battery Backup: Each station is equipped with solar panels and a battery, complemented by a Tadiran battery, ensuring continuous operation even during power outages.
Wireless Data Transmission: RADNOTE uses cellular communication for data transmission, eliminating dependence on vulnerable wired internet connections. In case of cellular network failure, the device stores data until it can be transferred to the server.
Durability and Ease of Installation: The stations are waterproof and designed for quick installation by volunteers, making them ideal for rapid deployment in various environments.
The RADNOTE stations are manufactured by Blues Inc. for Safecast, and their support has been crucial for the project's success. Over 100 RADNOTE stations have been produced for the development of this autonomous monitoring network in Ukraine.
Deployment and Cooperation
The deployment of RADNOTE stations began in May 2024, with installations in Kyiv, the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, and Lviv. The initial installations were attended by key figures from Safecast and Blues Inc., including Chief Scientific Officer Azby Brown and CEO Ray Ozzie. They praised the collaboration with SaveDnipro and the support from Ukrainian governmental and environmental organizations.
International Interest and Support
The interest of international partners in Ukraine is understandable, given the increased risk of a radiation incident due to the full-scale invasion by Russia. Safecast, which was established after the 2011 Fukushima disaster, has been proactive in enhancing radiation monitoring in Ukraine. By partnering with SaveDnipro, they aim to develop independent public monitoring with freely accessible data online.
SaveDnipro's Role and Achievements
SaveDnipro is spearheading the deployment of the RADNOTE network in Ukraine. The organization is renowned for creating the SaveEcoBot system, which aggregates radiation data from over 500 monitoring posts in Ukraine. This system is a critical resource for various platforms, including DeepStateMap and Windy.com, and provides data to official Ukrainian resources like "Ekozagroza."
Collaboration and Impact
SaveDnipro collaborates with numerous international partners, including the German Federal Agency for Radiation Protection (BfS), Greenpeace, and the National Institute for Radiation Protection of the Czech Republic (SURO). In 2023 alone, SaveEcoBot attracted 1.9 million unique visitors, highlighting its importance as a trusted source of radiation information.
Testimonials from Key Figures
Azby Brown, Safecast Chief Scientific Officer: "When we discovered SaveEcoBot from SaveDnipro in February 2022, we recognized their alignment with our values. Our collaboration has been incredibly close and fruitful since then."
Pavlo Tkachenko, Technical Director of SaveDnipro NGO: "At the beginning of the invasion, we lacked real-time radiation data. Our partnership with Safecast has significantly enhanced our capabilities. Civil society organizations like SaveDnipro can often respond more swiftly and flexibly than authorities, helping to ensure public safety in challenging times."
Future Prospects
The collaboration between SaveDnipro and Safecast represents a significant advancement in Ukraine's ability to monitor radiation levels independently. With continued international support and technological innovation, the network aims to safeguard public health and contribute to global radiation safety standards.
In conclusion, the RADNOTE monitoring network is a vital step toward ensuring that Ukraine has a robust and independent system for tracking radiation levels, providing critical data that supports both national and international safety efforts.
