nuclear-news

Floating Nuclear Power Plants: Solution or Nightmare?, Homeland Security,  By Dr. Brian Blodgett, Faculty Member, Homeland Security, American Military University,18 Jul 19, Russia continues to project its power north of the Arctic Circle with the launch of the Akademik Lomonosov, a floating barge with two 35-megawatt nuclear reactors. Icebreakers will tow the Akademik Lomonosov along the Northern Sea Route, from Murmansk to Pevek.

Once the Akademik Lomonosov arrives at Pevek, the Russians will decommission the 48-megawatt, Bilibino land-based nuclear power plant that entered operation in 1974. Currently, this reactor generates most of the electricity for Russia’s autonomous, mineral-rich Chukotka region in the far northern area of Siberia.

The Akademik Lomonosov will be over 4,200 miles from Moscow but less than 1,250 miles upwind of Anchorage, Alaska.

Floating Nuclear Power Plants Have Been Used Before

The concept of floating nuclear power plants is not new. ….

Use of Akademik Lomonosov Causing Environmental Concerns

Environmentalists are worried about the radioactive steam that the Akademik Lomonosov’s reactors will produce. The radioactivity could have adverse effects on the local populace.

Additionally, there is a concern about an earthquake-triggered tsunami destroying the Akademik Lomonosov.Such a tsunami would cause a release of radioactive material and fuel into not only the air but also the water, impacting marine life.

Russia Not Worried about Nuclear Disasters with the Akademik Lomonosov

Russia dismisses environmental concerns since it has over 50 years of experience in safeguarding nuclear-powered Arctic icebreakers……

Recently, there have been revelations that the Soviet nuclear submarine K-278 Komsomolets that sunk over 30 years ago is now releasing radiation levels 800,000 times higher than expected. As a result, there is a concern of what would occur if the Akademik Lomonosov was to sink into the Arctic waters that enter the Pacific near Alaska and then flow down our western coast.

Additionally, the recent fire on the unnamed Russian AS-12 submarine that occurred on July 1, resulting in the death of 14 crewmembers, reminds the world how dangerous nuclear power can be. According to a comment reportedly made by a high-ranking military official at their funeral, the servicemen averted a “planetary catastrophe” before they died………

2011 Japanese Nuclear Accident Serving as Disaster Model……..   A meltdown occurring on the Akademik Lomonosov or any future sister nuclear floating platforms could be much worse for the local population and the environment. While the remoteness of Pevek will complicate crucial security procedures, such as the routine disposal of nuclear fuel to rescue operations, it will also limit the spread of deadly radiation.

But with Rosatom avidly seeking future countries as partners in spreading nuclear power to areas with electrical needs, such as New Jersey considered doing in the 1960s, only time will provide us with proof that floating nuclear power plants are a potential solution to energy needs.https://inhomelandsecurity.com/floating-nuclear-power-plants-solution-or-nightmare/