Representatives of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have paid their first visit to the Akademik Lomonosov floating nuclear power plant (PEB – Plavuchikh EnergoBlokov) in Pevek, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug.
Akademik Lomonosov is the world’s only operating low-power floating NPP, and the world’s northernmost NPP. Its launch in May 2020 was a breakthrough towards ensuring the sustainable development of Russia’s remote territories. Akademik Lomonosov has two KLT-40S reactor units, which supplies 70 MWe of electricity and 50 Gcal/h os heat to Pevek supported by purpose-built coastal infrastructure. In future it will become a reliable source of power and heat for the entire region.
The IAEA delegation was led by Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Energy, Mikhail Chudakov. During the introductory tour, the delegation walked along the shore site, the pier, and also visited the vessel, inspecting the main production premises of the station.
As part of the bilateral meeting, discussions were held on board the PEB on the use of experience in the safe operation of reactors and Rosenergoatom’s plans for the long-term development of low power energy systems. “No single organisation has the unique information we offer in terms of experience in operating a low-power nuclear power plant, said Dmitry Alekseenko, Deputy Head of Rosatom’s Directorate for Floating NPP Construction and Operation. “I think that interest in our facility will only increase in the future, and we are ready to develop cooperation within the framework of such meetings.”
Representatives of the IAEA presented their views on the prospects for the development of low-power NPPs in the world and the role of floating NPPS in this process. Both sides expressed their conviction of the need to hold similar meetings in the future.
“In the global system of low-power NPPs, floating plants occupy a leading position – this is the only such facility in the world, said IAEA Deputy Director General Chudakov. “This raises interest in implementing similar projects in many countries. The floating NPP in Chukotka has already shown its performance and efficiency not only in terms of electricity generation, but also in terms of heat supply to Russia’s northernmost city – Pevek. The future definitely belongs to small reactors and today Russia is leading the world in this field.”
Serial production is now underway in Russia of innovative RITM-200 small reactors with a capacity of 55 MWe and preparations are also underway for the construction of a ground-based low-power NPP in Yakutia. Russia has signed the world’s first export contract for construction of a low-power NPP in Uzbekistan.
