CORE Power plans floating nuclear plants to power US ports

UK-based nuclear tech firm CORE Power plans to build barge-based floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs) near US ports to supply electricity for onshore power and port operations.

PHOTO: Aerial view of the Port of Mobile in Alabama, US. Alabama Port Authority

CORE Power’s FNPP concept is based on small modular nuclear reactors, which can generate up to 300 megawatts per unit.

These advanced reactors require less maintenance and are considered safer than traditional nuclear reactors due to technology that allows for automatic cooling of the reactor core in case of an accident.

Floating nuclear power plants offer flexibility, easy transport and scalability to meet energy demand, CORE Power explains.

“Over 80% of the cost of nuclear power on land is in civil construction, with reactors and power systems accounting for less than 20%. FNPPs will be shipyard-manufactured and mass-assembled, ensuring delivery speed and low costs,” Mikal Bøe, chief executive of CORE Power noted.

US-based naval architecture and marine engineering firm Glosten will design the barge-based plant and oversee regulatory and operational requirements.

“The marine industry has experienced a massive push to decarbonize, and CORE POWER’s FNPP offers an effective and practical means to meet that demand,” Morgan Fanberg, Glosten’s chief executive said.

The partners have not yet specified which US ports are being considered for this project.

By Konica Bhatt

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