Floating Nuclear Power Plants: Can it be a viable source of energy?
Extensive studies in order to understand the structure of atoms were carried out during the 19th and 20th century. These helped the researchers to understand the atomic structure, atomic radiation and nuclear fission intensively. During the Second World War, there were many scientists across the world working exhaustively to develop detrimental weapons around the world. The atomic bomb was one among such weapons and was also developed, tested and used during this time. Later, after 1945 i.e. the end of the Second World War, the attention was shifted to the usage of technology which led to the development of nuclear power plants for harnessing nuclear energy.
Nuclear power plants use a fission reaction which is an exothermic reaction wherein energy is released due to the splitting of atoms into smaller atoms. The heat produced during nuclear fission is used to raise the temperature of the water in nuclear power plants. Nuclear power plants basically produce steam by heating the water. The steam produced then turns the large turbines which in turn produces electricity. The reaction takes place in a controlled environment inside the reactor. There is a core at the centre of the reactor which contains uranium fuel.[1] Uranium is a radioactive element and a source of energy. “One pound of uranium can produce as much energy as three million pounds of coal.” [2]
Floating Nuclear Power Plants
Floating Nuclear Power Plants (FNPPs) are the ships that are equipped with nuclear reactors. Though the technology of using nuclear power at sea is not an entirely new development, it is a technology that is of great importance for military usage. Nuclear propelled ships can be self-sufficient over a long period of time which makes them less reliable on ports and supply ships. Though the technology is expensive as compared to the traditional facilities, it can be of strategic advantage during an armed conflict.
This technology, due to its enormous strategic importance, was pushed forward by the US and the USSR during the Cold War. The entire active US aircraft carrier fleet is nuclear powered and France also maintains a nuclear-powered carrier. Currently, China is also building its fleet of aircraft carriers and is considering using nuclear energy to power these carriers in the future. Russia also operates a number of nuclear-powered icebreakers which it has deployed in the Arctic Ocean. In military submarines as well, nuclear propulsion is particularly beneficial as it enables the crew to stay underwater for months at a single stretch.
The Floating Nuclear Power Plants (FNPPs) does not serve the military objectives. Nuclear energy is not used to propel the ship itself, rather it is a floating power plant that has the capability of producing electricity for industrial as well as household purposes. The idea of FNPPs is not entirely new. The first FNPP was the Mh-1a Sturgis which is a converted Second World War cargo ship, built for the US army which used to ship in the Panama Canal Zone in the 60s and 70s.[3] However, this ship served as a prototype for an eventual fleet of such plants. However, the plant retired from service in 1976 and the project did not continue. [4]
Russia’s FNPP
On 22 May 2020, the Russian FNPP named ‘Academic Luminoso’ went into full-scale operation. At present, it is the world’s only operational FNPP. The plant consists of two naval propulsion reactors which are being used in the icebreakers. This floating power plant is able to provide up to 70 MWs of electricity. The heat generated during nuclear fission can be used for district heating. Since the vessel has no propulsion of its own it can be towed to whenever it is needed. Every 12 years the entire power plant is towed back to the shipyard where it is overhauled and the nuclear waste is unloaded.[5]
The completion of ‘Academic Luminoso’ took place in Saint Petersburg from where the ship was then towed to Murmansk where it was equipped with nuclear fuel. Thereafter, the ship began its journey to its first location i.e. Pevek, Chukotka region, located north of the Arctic Circle. This power plant will fulfil the energy requirements of this shrinking port town. The FNPP would replace the existing ageing power plant of the town.[6]
Russia wants to mass-produce these FNPPs and therefore achieve more efficient construction than the current level of technology. The opposition from the locals also needs to be tackled and more of the public outreach needs to be done for the same, as the Arctic Ocean has started experiencing the consequences of global warming and the Russian government is investing in this region. The satellite monitoring of this area shows that the area of sea ice is declining. This transition is facilitating access to the northern oil and gas deposits. Russia and many other countries want to promote the usage of the northern sea route which is a shorter connection between Europe and Asia. [7]
On 6 March 2020 Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a strategy paper that outlines Russia’s intention in the Arctic for the next 15 years. The paper includes the various policy measurements for improving the socio-economic situation of the communities in these regions. The paper mentions promoting the northern sea route and tax reliefs for oil and gas projects in the Arctic region. FNPPs could be an important tool in the larger Russian plan to better utilize the strategic potential of the country in the Arctic region.[8]
China’s FNPP
China is also following the Russian footsteps and is constructing the FNPPs for the artificial islands located in the South China Sea. The plants would aid China’s military and civilian presence in the Spratly and Paracel Islands located in the South China Sea. China is also targeting to enhance its offshore exploration and production of oil and gas wherein FNPP can be used effectively. [9]
Since China is increasing its presence in the region, the FNPPs would aid the land reclamation efforts with respect to certain islands as well. The plants would enable the supply of electricity and fresh water which would ease the expansion of the settlements in these areas. The FNPPs can aid China in its power projection exercises in the South China Sea region. [10]
The China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) and China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) are jointly working together for the development of nuclear power plants that would be deployed in the South China Sea region. After obtaining expertise in the construction of FNPPs, China even aims to export the power plants to other countries. The road of developing expertise in the same is not going to be similar for China, as it has not built the “nuclear-powered icebreaker” on its own and lacks experience in offshore nuclear technology. [11] China’s neighbouring countries have also raised concern about the installation of FNPPs in the region.
Why can FNPPs be considered?
The vessels can be easily removed from a region with little effort which could increase the acceptance of such projects. Additionally, these plants can be used more flexibly as they can bridge transition times in regions that are undergoing structural changes and these power plants could cover short-term energy requirements. For instance, in larger construction projects or offshore drilling, this technology can be of great importance.
FNPPs can also be effectively used in remote areas to maintain energy security in such regions. The plants are capable of replacing the coal-fired plants and help in the reduction of tons of CO2 emissions in a year. The plants can be of great advantage in the fight against climate change as they help in the reduction of carbon footprint to a great extent. Apart from the environmental issues, there are structural benefits as well which include the continuous supply of cool water which is used as a coolant in nuclear power plants. Also, the major concern of the land requirement gets solved which a major concern in developing countries.
Safety Concerns
The opinion on the usage of nuclear energy varies widely in different areas of the world. The major catastrophes such as the Chernobyl Disaster of 1986 and Fukushima Daichi of 2011 have also led to a change in perception. After these unfortunate disasters, many countries decided not to move forward with the option of nuclear energy and started phasing out the same. Harnessing nuclear energy has also become a political subject wherein the political parties in many nations are divided on this subject and consensus is difficult to achieve. The risks of the catastrophe are real enough and the negative long term consequences are weighed against the economic aspects of energy security. It is also a concern among the scientific community that the FNPPs are more susceptible to natural disasters particularly in an event like Tsunami, an accident can be caused. Other incidents like the radioactive leak are also part of the safety concerns. [12]
Apart from the above-mentioned concerns, other concerns such as an accidental collision can cause devastation. Threats from pirates and terrorists can also prove detrimental to the whole region. The accidental radioactive spill can lead to a catastrophic ecological disaster.
Way forward
Mohamed ElBaradei, former Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) once mentioned that “A nuclear accident anywhere is an accident everywhere.” [13] Since humanity has faced catastrophic disasters which were caused by nuclear power plants, the questions raised by some policymakers regarding its safety are not entirely wrong. Though nuclear power is renewable in nature and decreases our dependence on the shrinking reserves of fossil fuels, the risks associated with this technology have to be seriously assessed in order to avoid future accidents.
Notes
[1] “History of Nuclear Energy - World Nuclear Association.” n.d. Accessed March 04, 2021. https://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/current-and-future-generation/outline-history-of-nuclear-energy.aspx.
[2] “How Nuclear Power Works | Union of Concerned Scientists.” n.d. Accessed March 04, 2021. https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/how-nuclear-power-works.
[3] “What Is a Floating Nuclear Power Plant? - Foro Nuclear.” n.d. Accessed March 06, 2021. https://www.foronuclear.org/en/updates/in-depth/what-is-a-floating-nuclear-power-plant/.
[4] “MH-1A, STURGIS Nuclear Barge.” n.d. Accessed March 02, 2021. https://www.usace.army.mil/Media/Images/igphoto/2001874451/.
[5] “Is the World Ready for Floating Nuclear Power Stations? - IEEE Spectrum.” n.d. Accessed March 06, 2021. https://spectrum.ieee.org/energywise/energy/nuclear/is-the-world-ready-for-floating-nuclear-power-stations.
[6] “Russia Commissions World’s First Floating Nuclear Power Plant.” n.d. Accessed March 07, 2021. https://www.power-technology.com/news/russia-floating-nuclear-power-plant/.
[7] Ibid
[8] “Behind Putin’s New Arctic Strategy Lies a Rude Quest for Natural Resources | The Independent Barents Observer.” n.d. Accessed March 07, 2021. https://thebarentsobserver.com/en/climate-crisis/2020/10/behind-putins-new-arctic-strategy-lies-rude-quest-natural-resources.
[9] “South China Sea: China Using Island Builders to Expand Military Bases.” n.d. Accessed March 07, 2021. https://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/chinas-plans-to-expand-in-the-south-china-sea-with-a-floating-nuclear-power-plant-continue/news-story/bdc1bf6f6b556daf097b3199b5690182.
[10] “China’s Planned Floating Nuclear Power Facilities in South China Sea: Technical and Political Challenges | Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.” n.d. Accessed March 07, 2021. https://www.belfercenter.org/publication/chinas-planned-floating-nuclear-power-facilities-south-china-sea-technical-and.
[11] “China’s Risky Plan for Floating Nuclear Power Plants In The South China Sea – The Diplomat.” n.d. Accessed March 07, 2021. https://thediplomat.com/2018/05/chinas-risky-plan-for-floating-nuclear-power-plants-in-the-south-china-sea/.
[12] “Floating ‘mini-Nukes’ Could Power Countries by 2025, Says Startup | Nuclear Power | The Guardian.” n.d. Accessed March 04, 2021. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/dec/17/floating-mini-nukes-could-power-countries-by-2025-says-startup.
[13] “A Nuclear Accident Anywhere Is an Accident Everywhere: ElBaradei.” n.d. Accessed March 07, 2021. https://www.businesstoday.in/exclusive/india-today-conclave-2011/mohamed-elbaradei-japan-nuclear-egypt-iaea/story/14318.html.
Pic Courtesy- Reuters
(The views expressed are those fo the author and does not represent the views of CESCUBE.)
