Floating Nuclear Power Plants for Desalination

The growing scarcity of clean water is one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity in the 21st century. With more than 2 billion people living in water-stressed areas, the need for sustainable and affordable solutions has become a global priority. In this context, floating nuclear power plants have emerged as an innovative proposal to address this crisis, combining nuclear technology and desalination to meet the demand for freshwater.

What are floating nuclear power plants?

Floating nuclear power plants are offshore structures that house nuclear reactors capable of generating electricity and heat, with the possibility of being used to power adjacent desalination plants in specific situations of drinking water needs. These units are transportable and can be installed in strategic locations, providing flexibility to address freshwater needs in different coastal locations.

In its most common form, the desalination process involves removing salt and other minerals from seawater, converting it into potable freshwater. Using energy generated by nuclear reactors, electricity, and heat are supplied to desalination plants that use methods such as reverse osmosis or distillation to purify seawater and make it suitable for human and agricultural consumption.

Benefits of floating nuclear power plants

1. Access to drinking water: These plants offer the possibility of an additional, sustainable source of fresh water in water-scarce regions, helping to meet the growing demand for drinking water.
2. Energy efficiency: The combination of nuclear power generation and desalination provides a constant and reliable source of energy for the water purification process.
3. Mobility and adaptability: The ability to move these plants to various coastal locations allows them to serve areas with specific drinking water needs, including areas affected by natural disasters or emergencies.

In summary, floating nuclear power plants represent a technological innovation with the potential to address two global issues simultaneously: freshwater scarcity and energy demand. With a holistic approach that considers both the benefits and the associated challenges, these facilities could play a crucial role in the sustainable fresh water supply worldwide.

In terms of facilities or projects under development, it is relevant to mention that some countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, India, and some nations with coastal areas prone to water scarcity have shown interest in the possibility of implementing floating nuclear power plants with the capacity to desalinate seawater.

The floating nuclear power plant "Akademik Lomonosov" (Russia)

Russia's "Akademik Lomonosov" floating nuclear power plant is the most prominent example and is an innovative project developed by Russia that marks a milestone in nuclear technology and power generation.

It consists of a floating platform equipped with two KLT-40S type nuclear reactors, similar to those used in Russian icebreakers, each with an output of 35 MW and water-cooled. They are located inside a reinforced floating hull, ensuring stability and safety, even in adverse sea conditions.

Akademik Lomonosov can supply electricity to remote areas and coastal regions where a reliable and constant supply is needed, and is also capable of powering seawater desalination facilities if necessary, using part of the energy generated for this process.

Development and background of "Akademik Lomonosov":

• Construction: Construction of the floating nuclear power plant began in 2007, with assembly at the St Petersburg Shipyard in St Petersburg, Russia. After several stages of development and testing, it was launched into the water in 2018.
• Innovation and potential uses: This power plant represents a breakthrough in nuclear technology and its application in maritime environments. Its ability to supply power to remote areas, as well as its potential to desalinate seawater, make it a versatile solution for coastal regions with energy and water needs.
• Current operation: Since its launch, the floating nuclear power plant "Akademik Lomonosov" has been operational and has been part of the Russian energy system, providing electricity to areas in northern Russia, including the city of Pevek in the Chukotka region.