Russia Plans Wave of Floating Nuclear Power Stations - Newsweek
Russia Plans Wave of Floating Nuclear Power Stations - Newsweek
Russian state-owned energy group Rosatom is partnering with the Republic of Guinea to construct floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs).
Rosatom signed a memorandum of understanding with the West African nation which will explore the implementation of a roadmap for the production and deployment of the floating nuclear power units, equipped with RITM-200 reactors.
The document was signed by during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum last week.
"The cooperation involves joint work on developing a power supply solution both to industrial and domestic consumers in the Republic of Guinea, by deploying floating nuclear power units with RITM-200 reactors, which have already proven efficient," Vladimir Aptekarev, deputy head of Rosatom's Mechanical Engineering Division, said in a statement.
"As you know, the power supply issue in the African region is urgent, and our main task is to provide a fast, reliable and environmentally friendly solution for our partners.
"The signed memorandum supplements the roadmap of Rosatom's Mechanical Engineering Division for the production of advanced equipment for the new generation of nuclear industry and demonstrates the high global interest in our technology," he added.
Newsweek has contacted the Rosatom for comment via email.
The statement didn't include an expected date for completion.
What Are FNPPs?
FNPPs are mobile nuclear power stations designed to provide electricity in remote areas or regions lacking adequate infrastructure for traditional power plants.
They generally consist of a vessel, usually a ship or a barge, equipped with one or more nuclear reactors. These reactors generate power in a similar way to land-based nuclear plants, but the mobility of FNPPs allows them to be positioned near coastal or isolated communities, providing a flexible and reliable power source.
FNPPs offer several advantages, including mobility, a reduced environmental impact and energy security, though the potential impact on marine wildlife could raise concerns.
Russia already operates a FNPP in Pevek, in the Chukotka Autonomous District - the Akademik Lomonosov - currently the world's only operational FNPP.
China is also implementing plans to establish several nuclear reactors on the South China Sea, which are intended to supply power to China's artificial islands in the region.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has called for strict international guidelines to guarantee the safe operation of FNPPs.
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