Specialists from Russian firm Baltiyskiy Zavod have completed loading the nuclear fuel into floating nuclear power unit (FPU) Akademik Lomonosov.
Located at the site of Atomflot FSUE (a subsidiary of Rosatom) in Murmansk, Akademik Lomonosov is said to be the only FPU in the world.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The completion of nuclear fuel loading is the final stage prior to the physical launch of the FPU.
The FPU is being readied to begin operations at its main location Pevek, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug (AO).
It is expected to replace the Bilibino Nuclear power plant and Chaunskaya CHPP.
Floating Nuclear Power Plant Construction and Operation Directorate head Vitaliy Trutnev said: “By the end of this year, we plan to complete all final technological operations at the facility. To date, the specialists have completed the implementation of one of the main tasks – the loading of nuclear fuel in FPU reactors No. 1 and No. 2.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalData“The next key stage is their physical launch in this October-November – after receiving the corresponding permission from Rostekhnadzor. After that, we will face complex mooring tests, which are necessary to conduct before the reactor is put on its design capacity.”
Currently, coastal infrastructure work is being carried out near the seaport of Pevek. The FPU will be towed next year.
The coastal infrastructure includes a complex of buildings as well as hydraulic structures and the coastal site will be designed to ensure safe power unit mooring and acceptance of the power bridge, which will connect the electrical communications and deliver energy to the shore.
FPU is said to represent the first of a class of floating nuclear power plants being built as part of the project 20870.
