In an era of global transition to sustainable energy sources, floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs) with microreactors promise to become a cornerstone of the energy future. Modern developments, such as the eVinci microreactor from Westinghouse Electric Company and CORE POWER, represent a new approach to creating compact, safe, and mobile energy systems.
The primary concept of FNPPs involves placing a microreactor on a platform that operates at sea. This design offers significant advantages. First, floating installations are less vulnerable to natural disasters such as earthquakes or tsunamis, making their operation safer. Second, they can supply energy to hard-to-reach regions or remote coastal settlements where traditional power plants are not feasible.
The eVinci microreactor, which serves as the heart of such platforms, boasts remarkable features. It is fully autonomous, compact, and capable of operating for up to 10 years without refueling. This solution is particularly relevant for industrial facilities, seaports, or even Arctic infrastructure projects where access to reliable energy sources is extremely limited.
Moreover, floating nuclear power plants minimize environmental impact. They do not require large land areas, use seawater for cooling, and produce no carbon emissions during energy generation. These features make FNPPs a vital part of global decarbonization efforts.
