Karishma Bhimani reports that the world's first floating nuclear power unit set to start operations in Russia, according to Rosatom the owner of the ship.[Fact Check: the USS Nautilus was the first ship (a submarine) powered by a nuclear power plant (aka SMR) in the 1950s. Subsequent U.S. aircraft carriers and fleet ship and submarines are still powered by nuclear power plants. Many of those ship have been called upon in emergencies to provide others countries with temporary electricity. The Russian may well have built the first, sole-purpose ship to serve as a power plant along shorelines in the Arctic, Antarctic, or other country, such as Sudan].
The Akademik Lomonosov is ready to start generating power after a series of comprehensive and successful tests on its twin KLT-40 reactor system. Power generation at both of the 35-MW KLT-40C reactors achieved 100% of capacity on March 31, the company said this week, with subsequent tests confirming that both the main and the auxiliary equipment of the units, as well as the process control systems, were operating normally.[Note: these reactors should be considered SMRs on the basis of their relatively low power output].
Andrei Petrov, director general of Rosatom's energy division Rosenergoatom, said it could receive an operating license by July, subject to the test results. The Akademik Lomonosov is expected to operate for 40 years, with the possibility of the operating life being extended to 50 years, and the two reactors will be refueled once every three years. Rosatom expects the shore and hydraulic facilities for the unit to be completed in Pevek before the end of this year, in addition to infrastructure facilitating both electricity transmission to Chukotenergo, the local power company, and heat into the city's heat networks.
It is expected to be connected to the power grid in December. The facility is designed to replace the four-unit Bilibino plant, with an aggregate 48 MW capacity, and become the key power generation source in Chukotka Autonomous District, Rosatom added.
Ed. Note: For another perspective on the new ship: https://www.theverge.com/2018/5/2/17313174/floating-nuclear-power-plant-russia-academik-lomonosov-chernobyl-titanic
Original working URL: https://www.spglobal.com/platts/en/market-insights/latest-news/electric-power/042519-worlds-first-floating-nuclear-power-unit-set-to-start-operations-in-russia-rosatom
Managed & Built by I2M Consulting, LLC | © 2010-
