Cristina Leon Vera | 31/07/2025
Mobile laboratories with nuclear reactors are gaining prominence as an energy solution for remote regions. Although they offer multiple advantages, certain risks associated with how they operate cannot be underestimated.
These plants are mobile facilities, which, in principle, can be placed on offshore platforms, floating structures, or vessels, that use nuclear technology for various purposes—primarily scientific or energy-related, but also military.
Floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs), are capable of generating electricity for isolated areas, can serve as support for military or scientific bases, and, at the same time, provide resilience in the face of the climate crises. They are already a technological reality, although most are still in the development phase. Expanding the use of them, however, poses significant challenges: diplomatic, logistical, and environmental.
Ongoing programs and projects
The traditional image of a nuclear power plant is often associated with large land-based facilities, but this isn’t always the case. In the Arctic port of Pevek (in the far eastern region of Russia), a 140-meter-long ship has been producing electricity for thousands of residents since 2020. We’re referring to the Akademik Lomonosov, the world’s first floating nuclear power plant.
This floating power plant in the Chukotka Sea is equipped with two KLT-40S reactors and was built by the Russian corporation Rosatom. It can produce up to 70 MW of electricity and 50 MW of heat and has marked the beginning of a new energy trend. It is currently the only one in operation, but according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), countries like Canada, China, Denmark, South Korea, Russia, and the United States are already working on designs for small modular reactors for marine use, some of which are at an advanced stage of development.
In China’s case, its General Nuclear Consortium is building a similar platform, based on ACPR50S reactors, designed to generate power for islands or the offshore industry, as detailed by the Nuclear Forum. The US and Canada are also conducting joint analysis and design, and since 2022, are funding feasibility studies and working on a prototype. Meanwhile, South Korea hopes to launch its project for a compact molten salt reactor barge by 2030.
Energy, science and military application
Floating nuclear power plants are designed to bring electricity to isolated areas, such as islands, polar regions, or rural communities lacking stable access to distribution networks. The energy they produce can also be used to power desalination plants, industrial centers, or scientific facilities.
These power plants are modular structures, manufactured in shipyards and then towed to their destination. Once at sea, they connect to the local grid or operate autonomously. The ease with which they can move from location to location makes them highly versatile. They are useful not only for the energy sector but also for military and strategic purposes, as they can supply bases or temporary enclaves.
On the civilian front, they are also conceived as scientific research platforms and could even function as floating communications stations. However, their potential has sparked interest from the military industry – they are highly attractive for military applications due to their autonomous power supply capability and low thermal profile.
This poses potential risks, as their dual infrastructure makes them potential targets in conflict scenarios. Of particular concern are espionage, terrorism, or piracy aimed at sabotaging or hijacking the FNPP. In response, consideration is being given to equipping them with biometric systems or underwater security.
Maintenance and safety: complex logistics
As with all infrastructure, nuclear plants require complex maintenance. One advantage of this is that it can be performed off-site, as the barge can be towed to a shipyard for inspections, equipment upgrades, or refueling.
According to Rosatom, the Akademik Lomonosov needs to replace its fuel every three years and return to port every 12 years for a comprehensive overhaul. Being able to choose where to do this avoids handling radioactive materials in populated areas. Even so, specialized logistics infrastructure is required and strict security measures are implemented during transport.
Weather events pose another threat to FNPPs. Although the plants are designed to withstand extreme maritime conditions, they remain vulnerable. Severe storms or tsunamis can pose a risk factor to the reactor and even cause spills.
Security is a challenge, not just because of the weather, but also due to possible naval accidents or deliberate attacks. International authorities have already warned about potential terrorist threats and cyberattacks. Consequently, the latest designs are incorporating surveillance systems, structural reinforcements, and artificial intelligence to protect the facilities.
A radioactive leak could have devastating effects on marine ecosystems. One of the first models, the US military floating reactor MH-1A Sturgis (the first attempt at this type of infrastructure and now dismantled), revealed that breaking up the plant and managing the resulting waste could take decades.
Benefits for the climate crisis
Despite the risks, these floating plants could play a significant role in the global energy transition. They complement renewable energy sources thanks to their low emissions and continuous operation, especially in regions with irregular wind and sun exposure.
Furthermore, they offer certain advantages in the face of natural disasters. Being located at sea, they are less vulnerable to earthquakes or forest fires. In fact, they could be used as emergency solutions in areas affected by conflicts that disrupt energy supplies.
Companies such as the American company Core Power and the Asian consortium ThorCon are developing models based on small modular reactors, with pilot operations planned for before 2030, according to both companies.
It’s worth noting that floating nuclear power plants are subject to ambiguous regulations. Their legal status can be confusing, as they can operate in national or international waters, or both. Currently, they must comply with both IMO (International Maritime Organization) regulations and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) nuclear standards.
The latter organized a dedicated symposium in 2023 to address the challenges related to the ongoing development of FNPPs. At the opening ceremony, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi stated that many countries are already actively considering this technology. However, he stressed the need to thoroughly analyze safeguards and international legal and regulatory implications.
Floating nuclear power plants represent an emerging technological frontier, capable of transforming the way we produce and distribute energy in extreme or unstable environments. Although their development poses challenges in terms of safety, sustainability, and regulation, their ability to operate flexibly makes them a strategic tool for the future of global energy.
