Floating Nuclear Reactors A Bold Step in the Path to Decarbonisation

Highlights

• Westinghouse and CORE POWER collaborate on floating nuclear power plants for flexible, offshore energy solutions.
• Innovative microreactors aim to enhance safety, reduce risks, and support industrial energy needs.
• Global momentum builds for nuclear as part of the decarbonisation effort, with tech companies joining the transition.

Floating Nuclear Reactors: A Bold Step in the Path to Decarbonisation

As the push toward decarbonisation accelerates, attention is turning to innovative solutions for sustainable energy production. One promising initiative comes from a collaboration between Westinghouse Electric Company and CORE POWER, which aims to develop floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs). These facilities, leveraging Westinghouse's eVinci microreactor technology, are designed to address energy needs with enhanced safety and flexibility.

This approach could potentially offer a significant step forward in the transition to cleaner energy by providing a robust and scalable alternative to fossil fuels, particularly in regions with geographical constraints or high energy demands.

Addressing Nuclear Safety Concerns

Despite nuclear power's long history—spanning more than 70 years—it remains a polarising topic due to past disasters like Chernobyl and Fukushima. The devastating consequences of such events have left a lasting impression, raising questions about the safety of nuclear energy.

However, proponents argue that modern nuclear technology, combined with stringent regulations, makes it one of the safest options for reliable energy generation. Unlike coal-fired power plants, which have caused extensive environmental and public health damage, modern nuclear reactors are designed with advanced safety features to minimise risks.

The FNPP concept takes safety a step further by positioning reactors offshore. By doing so, these facilities avoid risks from natural disasters such as tsunamis and earthquakes. CORE POWER CEO Mikal Bøe highlighted this benefit, stating that FNPPs create an opportunity to scale nuclear power effectively, meeting global demand for clean, reliable electricity while addressing safety concerns.

The Role of the eVinci Microreactor

The FNPPs will employ Westinghouse's eVinci microreactor, a next-generation nuclear technology capable of producing between a few kilowatts and five megawatts of power. These microreactors are designed for long-term operation, requiring minimal maintenance and only needing refuelling every eight years.

In addition to generating electricity, the eVinci reactors can produce high-temperature heat, which is valuable for industrial processes, including hydrogen fuel production. Jon Ball, President of eVinci Technologies at Westinghouse, noted that the collaboration with CORE POWER demonstrates the technology's potential in remote or space-constrained locations, marking a shift in how nuclear energy can be deployed.

Nuclear Power’s Role in Decarbonisation

Nuclear power is increasingly seen as a crucial component of the global energy mix in the transition toward net-zero emissions. Currently, 65 nuclear reactors are under construction worldwide, with another 90 in the planning phase and 300 more proposed.

Tech companies are also taking notice. Google recently partnered with Kairos Power to integrate small nuclear reactors into its artificial intelligence data centres and agreed to restart operations at the Three Mile Island energy plant. Amazon has similarly ventured into nuclear power by acquiring a nuclear-powered data centre. These developments signal a growing interest in nuclear energy as a reliable and scalable solution for high-demand industries.

A New Era for Nuclear Energy

While the FNPP initiative is still in its early stages, it reflects the broader trend of innovation within the nuclear energy sector. Floating reactors represent a novel approach to overcoming traditional barriers associated with nuclear power, including land limitations and vulnerability to natural disasters.

With its potential to complement renewable energy sources and provide consistent, carbon-free electricity, nuclear energy is poised to play a pivotal role in the decarbonisation journey. Whether through large-scale reactors or compact microreactors like the eVinci, the sector's evolution underscores the adaptability and promise of nuclear technology in a rapidly changing energy landscape.