TECH
Floating nuclear platforms promise steady offshore power
Marine reactors deliver energy to coasts and islands where grids fall short
Floating nuclear platforms install small modular reactors (SMRs) on barges. These anchored units provide electricity and heat to remote coastal towns and islands. They combine nuclear reliability with the flexibility of maritime deployment.
Early pioneers and new concepts are paving the way:
Operational model: Russia’s Akademik Lomonosov is a non-self-propelled nuclear barge moored at Pevek. It supplies electricity and district heating to the Chaun-Bilibino grid.
Proven design: Built in shipyards, the 144 m × 30 m hull carries two KLT-40S reactors generating 70 MW of electricity and around 300 MW of heat.
New builds: Rosatom is developing next-gen floating units using RITM-200S reactors (55 MWe each) for mining infrastructure in the Arctic.
Real-World Impact
Operational milestone: Akademik Lomonosov passed one billion kWh generated, replacing aging coal and land-based nuclear plants since connecting in 2019.
Smaller footprint: Designed for a 40-year lifespan, with periodic towing for overhaul. They save fuel and reduce emissions in off-grid regions.
Global interest: Norway’s Ocean-Power and Norsk Kjernekraft plan to develop SMR-barge concepts, aiming to offer stable, climate-friendly energy offshore.
US planning: Core Power and design firm Glosten are developing a US near-shore FNPP concept including barge, support services, and grid integration.
Industry Outlook & Tech Trends
Floating nuclear platforms offer a scalable and quick-deployable solution for hard-to-electrify areas. Passive safety, AI modeling, and modular builds enhance resilience in marine environments.
As SMR technologies advance—from KLT-40S to RITM-200S, and potentially alongside molten salt designs like ThorCon and Saltfoss—the concept expands beyond Russia, with growing interest from Nordic and U.S. markets.