Portable Power by The Boat Full

Portable Power by The Boat Full

Docked in the Pevek harbour off the Siberian coast rests the Russian vessel Akademik Lomonosov. This pioneering vessel represents the world’s first floating nuclear power plant. Utilizing cutting-edge nuclear technology in the form of small modular reactors (SMR’s) it supplies energy to approximately 200,000 individuals residing on land.

The Akademik Lomonosov replaced the Pevek’s aging Bilibino nuclear power plant and Chaunsk coal power plant, saving about 50,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.

The Akademik Lomonosov is a first-of-a kind project and features cutting-edge safety and security systems and is expected to be one of the safest nuclear installations in the world.

The Akademik Lomonosov holds significance as the world’s first floating nuclear power plant, pioneering a new approach to energy generation. Its importance stems from several key factors:

• Being a floating power plant, the Akademik Lomonosov can be transported to remote or isolated areas where traditional power infrastructure may be challenging or economically unfeasible. This makes it a valuable resource for providing electricity to regions with limited access to energy.
• Diversifying energy sources and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. This is particularly relevant for regions like Siberia, where extreme weather conditions and geographical isolation pose challenges.
• Compared to coal power plants, nuclear power offers a cleaner alternative with lower greenhouse gas emissions. 
• It serves as a proof-of-concept for future deployments and encourages further innovation in the field of nuclear energy.

The above benefits are all good, but the use of Small Modular Reactors (SMR’s) is what makes this all possible. The  Akademik Lomonosov is a great application for what is possible with this technology.

Not The First

The Akademik Lomonosov may be touted as the first floating nuclear power plant, but it is not the first floating small nuclear reactor.

The world’s first nuclear-powered submarine was the USS Nautilus. It was launched on January 21, 1954. Designed by the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation, the USS Nautilus represented a significant technological leap forward in submarine warfare.

As the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus introduced a revolutionary propulsion system that utilized nuclear energy for propulsion instead of traditional diesel-electric power. This marked a significant technological leap forward in submarine design and naval warfare.

The USS Nautilus achieved several historic milestones during its service life, including the first-ever submerged transit of the North Pole in 1958. This feat demonstrated the submarine’s unparalleled capabilities and showcased the potential of nuclear power.

It’s only getting better

Since the USS Nautilus embarked on its historic journey, nuclear technology has made significant strides in various fields. From naval propulsion and civilian energy to medicine, scientific research, fusion studies, and nuclear security, these advancements have reshaped our world. They offer solutions to pressing global issues like energy security, climate change, healthcare, and scientific exploration. As we leverage nuclear power for peaceful endeavors, the legacy of the USS Nautilus stands as a beacon of nuclear technology.

The Future of Nuclear Power

At the heart of this progress is the SMR. In the quest for cleaner and more efficient energy sources, SMR’s are emerging as a promising solution. These compact nuclear power plants offer numerous advantages over traditional large-scale reactors, including enhanced safety features, flexibility, and scalability. As the world seeks to transition to a low-carbon future, small nuclear reactors are poised to play a significant role in meeting the growing demand for reliable and sustainable energy.

SMR’s are characterized by their compact size and modular design. Unlike conventional nuclear reactors, which are large-scale facilities that often exceed 1,000 megawatts in capacity, SMRs are designed to generate power ranging from a few megawatts to a couple of hundred megawatts. This scalability makes them well-suited for a wide range of applications, from remote communities and industrial facilities to grid stabilization.

SMRs use advanced safety systems and robust containment structures to mitigate the risk of accidents. These safety features include passive cooling systems, underground installations, and simplified designs that reduce the number of potential failures. As a result, SMRs offer a high level of inherent safety and can be deployed in a variety of locations with minimal impact.

Unlike large-scale nuclear projects, which require extensive planning and construction timelines spanning years or even decades, SMRs can be manufactured in factories and transported to site locations for assembly. This modular approach significantly reduces construction lead times and potentially costs, allowing for faster implementation and adaptation to changing energy needs.

Small nuclear reactors represent a transformative technology with the potential to reshape the global energy landscape. With their compact size, enhanced safety features, flexibility, and economic viability, SMRs offer a compelling solution for meeting the growing demand for clean and reliable energy. As governments and industry around the world seek to decarbonize and address the challenges of climate change, small nuclear reactors are poised to emerge as a critical enabler of a sustainable and prosperous future.

Nuclear Renaissance

After years of decay in the shadow of Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima there is now a nuclear power renaissance. The International Energy Agency says, “The Renewables are growing rapidly and nuclear power is on track to reach new all-time high next year, enabling low-emissions generation to outpace robust electricity demand growth”

Currently, Russia and China have the advantage in the emerging nuclear competition. Nonetheless, spearheading the advancement of SMR technology, the United States and American companies are also making notable progress in establishing a presence in this potentially huge market space.

There will be big opportunities and we are excited about watching this race.

For the Good
Michael Nichols

Numbers You Need to Know

8146

Departing on July 23, 1958 the USS Nautilus made the first submerged transpolar voyage traveling from Honolulu, Hawaii to Island covering 8146 miles in 19 days. 38 movies were shown during the trip. (Eisenhower Library)

1931

The year a private Arctic expedition attempted to reach the North Pole by submarine. Led by explorer Sir Hubert Wilkins, who renamed the sub Nautilus, after the vessel in Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. But the old boat lacked insulation and heaters, and was ill-equipped to deal with Arctic challenges.(American Heritage)

70

In 2020 the IAEA published an update of its SMR book, Advances in Small Modular Reactor Technology Developments, with contributions from developers covering over 70 designs. (World Nuclear Association)

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