Rosatom boosts floating nuclear projects in the Far East

An agreement signed at Atomexpo 2024 in Sochi commits Rosatom to the development of floating nuclear power in Russia's Far East.

Share:

Rosatom nucléaire flottant Extrême-Orient Russie

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

7-Day Pass

Up to 50 articles accessible for 7 days, with no automatic renewal

3 $/week*

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles/month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 30,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

At the Atomexpo 2024 event in Sochi, Rosatom formalized a commitment to provide reliable, carbon-free power-generating facilities in the Russian Far East. This agreement focuses on exploring the financial, economic, legal and technical aspects of a future energy project in this strategic region.

Energy requirements and proposed solutions

The Russian Far East region is estimated to require at least 1.35 GW of power by 2029-2030, according to the operator of Russia’s Unified Energy System. Andrei Leontyev, Minister of Energy and Gas Supply of the Primorsky Territory, plans to build four floating power units to bridge the energy gap in the south of the region. In the medium term, the construction of a nuclear power plant with two 600 MW units is also planned to support regional development.

Advantages of small-scale nuclear power

Andrey Nikipelov, Rosatom’s Deputy General Manager for Mechanics and Industrial Solutions, highlights the benefits of small-scale nuclear power as a modern, environmentally-friendly solution for a stable energy supply, with costs that can be predicted for decades to come. Thanks to their mobility and scalability, floating power units offer a flexible response to the region’s current and future energy needs.

International commitments and prospects

Rosatom is developing floating nuclear power plants based on the RITM-200 reactor, already used in its new fleet of nuclear icebreakers. Several countries and regions are showing interest in these units, with up to 15 floating power plants planned for the Russian Arctic zone. Russia already has the Akademik Lomonosov floating power plant in Pevek, based on KLT-40S reactors, which supply heat and electricity to the city.

Rosatom and Russia’s TSS Group have also signed an agreement to create a joint venture dedicated to the construction and operation of floating nuclear units for foreign markets, using RITM-200 reactors with a capacity of 100 MW and a lifespan of at least 60 years. These units address current and future energy deficits in fast-growing regions such as Africa and the Middle East, where demand for a stable, green energy source is high.

EDF anticipates a 35 MW decrease in output for the Flamanville EPR between 2026 and 2031, citing a degraded performance level with no official technical explanation to date.
Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd has pushed the Bharat Small Reactors proposal deadline to 31 March 2026, aiming to expand private sector engagement in the captive nuclear energy project.
The Philippine government grants contractual advantages and priority dispatch to its first nuclear project, laying the groundwork for sustained sector development in the coming decades.
The merger between Terra Innovatum and GSR III Acquisition Corp. includes $130mn in proceeds aimed at supporting the industrial development of its SOLO™ micro-nuclear reactor.
US nuclear technology firm NANO Nuclear Energy has secured $400mn through an oversubscribed private placement, raising its cash position to approximately $600mn to accelerate development of its KRONOS MMR™ microreactors.
Global Nuclear Fuel, a GE Vernova-led alliance with Hitachi, plans the first use of its GNF4 boiling water reactor fuel in 2026, with full-scale production expected by 2030.
Arkansas has appointed Excel Services to analyse the economic, technological and logistical outlook of a new nuclear programme, with results expected within ten months.
Operator Belgoprocess has received authorisation to build a new facility to store waste generated from the ongoing decommissioning of Belgium’s nuclear reactors.
The British government has launched a consultation on the regulatory justification request for Rolls-Royce’s modular reactor, a decisive step towards its approval in the country’s nuclear market.
GVH and Samsung C&T join forces to accelerate international deployment of BWRX-300 small modular reactors, with a strong focus on Sweden and the consolidation of the nuclear supply chain.
The Swedish government aims to establish a right to compensation for operators if a political reversal leads to the early shutdown of nuclear plants, in a move to reduce investment risks.
Duke Energy adds a large nuclear reactor project to its 2025 plan for the Carolinas, anticipating electricity demand more than twice previous forecasts.
EDF has selected Arabelle Solutions to supply two complete turbine islands for the Sizewell C nuclear power plant, strengthening their industrial cooperation initiated at Hinkley Point C.
The Italian government has approved a bill granting the executive authority to regulate the return of nuclear energy, in line with European carbon neutrality and energy security targets for 2050.
Framatome and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission have commissioned a specialised industrial line in Jeumont for the manufacturing of nuclear components used in French Navy vessels.
Italian company Terra Innovatum is advancing the commercialisation of its SOLO micro-reactor, with two new partnerships and $42.5mn in funding as part of a merger with a listed company.
The Nurlikum Mining joint venture enters a new industrial phase with the launch of the South Djengeldi project, targeting annual production of 500 tonnes of uranium over ten years in Uzbekistan.
The containment structure over Chernobyl’s destroyed reactor lost power after a Russian strike, as Zaporizhzhia remains cut off from external electricity for over a week.
Uranium deliveries to U.S. civilian operators rose 8% in 2024, while the average price climbed to its highest level since 2012, according to the latest available data.
The Vice-Chairman of Russia’s Security Council believes more countries will develop nuclear weapons and generative AI technologies as a result of increasing public sector efforts.

All the latest energy news, all the time

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

7 DAY PASS

Up to 50 items can be consulted for 7 days,
without automatic renewal

3$/week*

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.