The Independent Barents Observer reports that Russia is moving ahead to install the world’s first floating nuclear power plant in a key Arctic town.
The big floating plant, which is under construction in St. Petersburg, is named the Akademik Lomonosov. The Observer quotes Russian sources as saying that it will be towed several thousand kilometers through Arctic ice before it reaches its destination in Pevek, June 2019.
Pevek is a small town on Russia’s Arctic east coast that’s been tapped for industrial development. One project is the Peschanka copper mine, which is expected to eventually produce up to 1.2 million tons of ore per year.
The Akademik Lomonosov reportedly has two KLT-40s type reactors aboard that can produce up to 70 MW of electricity.
“The power plant will be fully loaded with nuclear fuel before it sets out on the about 6,000 km long voyage. More than 1,000 km of the sea route is likely to be icy, and icebreaker assistance will be crucial. Especially the waters from the Vilkitsky Strait, through the Laptev Sea and the East Siberian Sea are likely to pose challenges,” the Observer said.