HomeTechnologyWorld’s only floating nuclear plant generates record 1 billion kWh power before...

World’s only floating nuclear plant generates record 1 billion kWh power before refuel

The two reactors of the floating nuclear power plant underwent refueling after five years of operation

The Akademik Lomonosov, a floating nuclear power plant operational since May 2020 in the Russian Arctic region of Chukotka, has generated its first billion kilowatt-hours of energy, the state atomic energy corporation, Rosatom, said in a press release. Operational for over five years, the nuclear power plant also recently completed its first fuel cycle.

Nuclear energy has its detractors. Some worry about the risks of radioactive waste generated by nuclear fission, and others worry about the massive investments of time and money required to build large-scale nuclear power plants.

While the debate about whether nuclear fission energy can help us reach our net-zero energy goal ensues, one cannot overlook a feat of engineering in the sector, and the Akademik Lomonosov is exactly that. The world’s only floating nuclear power plant is the world’s northernmost heat and electricity-producing unit.

What we know about Akademik Lomonosov?

A nuclear reactor on a floating vessel isn’t ground-breaking technology anymore. It has been used on naval vessels since the 1950s and is crucial in maintaining stealth features of submarines.

But the Akademik Lomonosov is quite the opposite. With a length of 472 feet (144 m) and width of 98 feet (30 m), the vessel is meant for civilian application and has two KLT-40S nuclear reactors onboard for power generation.

Derived from the same technology that Russian icebreakers use, these reactors have a combined thermal output of 300 MW, which can generate about 70 MW of electricity (gross).

Originally planned for deployment at the Sevmash shipyard in the Russian Northwest, the vessel was then moved to Pevek in the Far East to replace the Bilibino Nuclear Power Plant, which was nearing the end of its service life.

1 billion kWh

Using low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuel, the power plant supplied 20 percent of the region’s demand back in 2020. Today, its share in the Chaun-Bilibino power hub and isolated grid is over 60 percent.

 In addition to generating a billion kilowatt-hours of energy so far, the plant doubles as a cogeneration facility and repurposes waste heat. Up to 60 MW of thermal power is captured and used for heating.

It currently serves a population of 5,000 people, supplying energy for mining operations in the Baimskaya ore zone and helping desalinate up to 240,000 cubic meters of water daily.

Last year, the LEU fuel of the first reactor of the floating power plant was replaced, and a similar exercise was carried out for the second reactor. According to Rosatom, fresh fuel was shipped to the vessel via the Northern Sea Route.

 

 

RELATED ARTICLES

Most Popular

Recent Comments