Green Light for First Floating Nuclear Power Plant

Written by Martin Lynch, European News Editor for Industrial Info (Galway, Ireland)--After a two-year delay, the world's first floating nuclear power plant (NPP) has been green lit for operation by the Russian State Expert Examination Board (Glavgosexpertiza).

The Akademik Lomonosov is a 144-metre-long ship, weighing in at 21,500 tons, featuring a pair of 35-megawatt (MW) KLT-40S reactors. Generating a total of 70 MW of electricity and 300 MW of heat, it can supply enough energy for roughly 100,000 homes. Russia wants to use the floating plant to bring energy to remote parts of the country, particularly the northern coast and far east, which are economically poor. The Akademik Lomonosov is the first in a proposed fleet of floating nuclear power plants.

"Having examined the materials submitted, Glavgosexpertiza has reached the conclusion that the design documentation and the results of engineering surveys on the facility comply with technical regulations and other established requirements," Glavgosexpertiza stated. "The project's design documentation concurs with previously conducted engineering surveys ... and experts have determined that the estimated cost of the project is on target."

It added: "The floating NPP, a floating nuclear thermal power plant located in the city of Pevek, Chukotka Autonomous District, is designed to generate and supply heat and electricity to consumers, and can also be used for desalination of sea water (up to 240 thousand cubic meters of fresh water per day)."

The Akademik Lomonosov is destined to replace the Bilibino nuclear plant in Chukotka, which generates 80% of electricity in the isolated region. With a capacity of 48 MW, Bilibino is due to be taken offline in 2019. The floating plant will be towed to the Chukotka coast next year for commissioning in November, becoming the world's most northern nuclear power plant. It will have a lifespan of about 40 years.

Industrial Info has followed the ups and downs of the pioneering project, which has experienced numerous delays over the past decade through a combination of bankruptcy proceedings, contract delays and a change in shipbuilders. It was originally due for delivery in 2011 and commissioning in 2012 and, after more delays, was due for commissioning again at the end of 2016. For additional information, see November 4, 2014, article - First Floating Nuclear Power Plant in 2016.

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