Russia Continues to Spur the Development of Modular Nuclear Reactors

World energy needs are increasing. Innovation and significant steps are needed to fulfill this.

KOMPAS/B JOSIE SUSILO HARDIANTO

A discussion entitled "Sustainable Energy Solutions" was held on the sidelines of the opening of Atomexpo 2024, Monday (25/3/2024) in Sochi, Russia.

Sochi, Kompas – In the midst of mourning due to the terror attack on Crocus City Hall, Russia's State-Owned Enterprise in the field of nuclear energy, Rosatom, Monday (25/3/2024), held Atomexpo 2024 in Sochi, Russia. The exhibition, which discusses issues surrounding clean and sustainable energy, displays various new technological developments based on nuclear technology.

One of the technologies that is currently excellent is the development of the fourth generation nuclear reactors. In fact, Russia is said to be developing a reactor capable of processing nuclear waste and turning it into a source of electrical energy.

Also read: Building a High-Safety Small-Scale Nuclear Power Plant in Russia

It is not surprising that in his opening speech, Director General of Rosatom Alexey Likhachev emphasized that no one can stop the development of nuclear technology. "No one can stop the development carried out by Rosatom, and no one can stop the progress of our country," said Alexey after inviting the audience to observe a moment of silence for the victims of the attack in Crocus.

KOMPAS/B JOSIE SUSILO HARDIANTO

Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev delivers a speech at the opening of Atomexpo 2024 in Sochi, Russia, on Monday (25/3/2024).

Furthermore, he stated that in the midst of the world's increasing energy needs, discussions and efforts to create a carbon-free world are a necessity. Forums such as Atomexpo 2024 are part of the efforts aimed at achieving this mission.

"Clean energy or renewable energy is our collective future. There are two key words related to this, namely, future and together," emphasizes Alexey. "In this regard, I am talking about the development of fourth-generation nuclear fusion technology and the diverse contributions of new technologies that support the nuclear energy sector. We can only achieve this through the joint efforts of many countries. Together, we can develop clean and efficient energy sources," he adds. According to him, there has been a significant shift in the perception of nuclear energy as a key element of a carbon-free future among the political class and the general public.

Also read: EBT and Nuclear, Future Carbon Emission Reduction Solutions

Rafael Mariano Grossi, Secretary General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has a similar view. According to him, Atomexpo is an important activity in the context of the current world. He said that many parties are now dedicating their efforts to finding alternative solutions needed to meet energy needs.

KOMPAS/B JOSIE SUSILO HARDIANTO

China participated in showing off the nuclear reactor development they have achieved at Atomexpo 2024, Monday (25/3/2024) in Sochi, Russia.

“In that context, I appreciate the important role Rosatom plays, not only for Russia, but also for the world,” Grossi said. "One of Rosatom's achievements is the development of small modular reactors," Grossi added.

Referring to the official IAEA page, small modular reactors (SMR) are advanced nuclear reactors that have a power capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit. This capacity is approximately one third of the generating capacity of traditional nuclear power reactors. SMR that can produce low-carbon electricity in large quantities.

Also read: Multiple Security Visits Russia's Floating Nuclear Plant

Furthermore, on the website, the IAEA detailed that it is called small because its physical size is much smaller than that of conventional nuclear power plants. Furthermore, it is called modular because its system and components allow it to be assembled and transported as a single unit to the installation site. The energy source of the reactor is nuclear fission which produces heat to generate electric energy.

ROSATOM

The Floating Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP) "Akademik Lomonosov" is anchored at its pier in Pevek, Chaunskaya Bay, East Siberian Sea, Chukotka, Russia. This Rosatom-owned FNPP is the world's first movable nuclear power generation facility and is located in the world's northernmost position. It has two KLT-40S reactors, each with a capacity of 35 megawatts, to provide electricity to this remote area.

Indonesia

Last year, during a similar occasion, Rosatom stated that they were capable of supporting the development of nuclear-based energy in Indonesia. At that time, Rosatom claimed that they could construct nuclear installations in remote areas or regions experiencing a deficit in electricity supply in Indonesia. Rosatom is able to provide infrastructure for floating type nuclear installations or small-scale modular reactor types for remote areas that are unsuitable for large-scale power plant installations.

Also read: NPP for Remote Areas Possible

"Currently Rosatom is developing four advanced FNPPs with electrical energy production capabilities of up to 300 megawatts (MW) each which can supply electrification in gold mining areas," said the Managing Director of FNPP "Akademik Lomonosov” Andrey Zaslavskiy, Tuesday (16/5/2023), during an interview session with a number of mass media from several countries, including Kompas, in Pevek, Russia (Kompas.id, 20 May 2023).