The floating power unit Akademik Lomonosov has arrived at the port of its permanent location in Pevek, Chukotka, in Russia’s Far East, where it is being docked to start operations by the end of this year. Once commissioned, it will become the world’s first operational nuclear power plant based on small modular reactors (SMRs) technology and a working prototype for reliable source of low-carbon energy supply in remote areas.
Rosatom’s CEO Alexey Likhachev said, “It maybe one small step for sustainable development in the Arctic, but it’s a giant leap for the decarbonisation of remote off-grid areas, and a watershed in the development of small modular nuclear power plants in the world. The project has been welcomed by scientists, nuclear energy experts and environmentalists across the world. Agneta Rising, Director General of the World Nuclear Association, said, “To meet the nuclear industry’s Harmony goal of supplying at least 25 per cent of the world’s electricity by 2050, we will need to bring the benefits of nuclear energy to more people in a wider range of locations. The Akademik Lomonosov is the first of a new class of small, mobile and versatile nuclear power plant that will supply clean and reliable electricity, heat and water, helping meet the UN’s sustainable development goals.
