World’s first floating nuclear plant ushers in new era of nuclear energy
Russia has developed a futuristic nuclear power plant that is already operational in the country's Far East region
image for illustrative purpose
Pevek (Russia) As India scouts for Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology that can help make clean energy transition, Russia has developed a futuristic nuclear plant that is already operational in the country's Far East region. The world's first floating nuclear power plant (FNPP) ‘Akademik Lomonosov' began commercial operation in May 2020, and is producing energy from two 35 MW reactors, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
SMR is a fraction of the size of a conventional nuclear power reactor, making it possible for systems and components to be factory-assembled and transported as a unit to a location for installation, according to the IAEA.
Other SMRs are under construction or in the licensing stage in Argentina, Canada, China, Russia, South Korea and the United States, the nuclear energy watchdog said.
Russia operates two SMRs of 35 MW each in Pevek, a port town on the Arctic ocean, and the administrative center of Chaunsky District in Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, some 5,500 kms from the capital city of Moscow. The town in the Russian Far East, where temperatures drop below minus 30 in peak winters, is known for its gold mining which requires electricity for its operations. Commissioned in 2020, the nuclear plant is on a 144 meters long ship with a displacement capacity of 21,560 tonne. Russia claims that it is the only floating nuclear power plant in the world.
Andrey Zaslavskiy, Acting Deputy Director General JSC REA and Acting Director of the Floating Nuclear Power Plant affiliate, said the FNPP is completely safe and has transformed the lives of the region by supplying round-the-clock power supply and round-the-year heat supply.
