A groundbreaking feasibility study has been launched by maritime nuclear specialist CORE POWER and US nuclear technology company BWX Technologies (BWXT). The initiative aims to explore the viability of deploying floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs), constructed in shipyards and positioned in coastal locations worldwide, potentially revolutionizing global energy supply.

This collaborative effort will meticulously evaluate the technical, regulatory, and commercial pathways required to integrate BWXT’s mPower small modular reactor (SMR) technology into robust floating power generation units designed for marine environments. The mPower reactor, originally conceived as a Generation III+ integral pressurized water reactor, boasts a substantial capacity of 195 MW of electricity and 575 MW thermal output per unit.

Proponents believe that FNPPs offer a significantly faster and more scalable solution for delivering low-carbon power to regions grappling with land scarcity, grid capacity limitations, or protracted infrastructure development timelines. Unlike conventional land-based nuclear facilities, these innovative power plants would leverage the efficiencies of industrialised manufacturing techniques common in the maritime sector, being built in shipyards and then transported to their operational sites.

The comprehensive study will encompass several critical areas:

  • Systems engineering and design integration.
  • Marine integration, ensuring seamless operation in diverse aquatic conditions.
  • Navigating complex regulatory pathways for global deployment.
  • Developing robust operating concepts and safety protocols.
  • Conducting a thorough techno-economic analysis to assess commercial viability.

Mikal Bøe, chief executive of CORE POWER, highlighted the renewed global interest in nuclear technologies, driven by escalating concerns over energy security. “Only nuclear energy can solve both our greenhouse gas emissions and the energy security challenges,” Bøe stated, underscoring nuclear power’s dual benefit.

This project aligns with CORE POWER’s broader vision of utilizing existing maritime infrastructure and shipbuilding expertise to accelerate nuclear deployment beyond traditional land-based power stations. Bøe pointed out that the maritime industry has historically served as a proving ground for new energy technologies, noting, “The maritime industry is where new power technologies grow up.” He further emphasized the potential for dramatically reduced project delivery times, stating, “Installation times can go down to 10 days instead of 10 years.”

While the concept of floating nuclear power plants is not entirely new—Russia’s Akademik Lomonosov has been commercially operational since 2020, supplying electricity and heat to the remote Arctic port of Pevek—global interest is rapidly intensifying. South Korea’s major shipbuilders and nuclear companies are actively developing various floating SMR concepts targeting industrial sites, islands, and coastal communities. Similarly, China has dedicated years to studying floating nuclear power systems for offshore energy projects and remote regions, signaling a global shift towards this innovative energy solution.

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