Rosatom State Corporation hosted the Small Modular Reactors Day (SMR Day) on the sidelines of the now-running COP28, highlighting its comprehensive technological solutions for achieving climate goals and securing a low-carbon future. Notably, the SMR Day was held for the first time at EXPO-2020 with Rosatom’s support.
‘We firmly believe that nuclear energy will inevitably become the bedrock of the low-carbon balance we all aspire to. Small modular reactors, as a reliable technological solution, will play a significant role in the future of nuclear energy. I am confident that Rosatom’s SMR offerings will emerge as an effective and environmentally friendly choice for countries that, for various reasons, have not considered nuclear power generation before,’ remarked Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom, in a video address to SMR Day guests and participants.
The event commenced with a vibrant multimedia presentation showcasing the importance of preserving the delicate balance between humans and nature
in Yakutia, where Rosatom has embarked on a unique SMR project. Designed to propel the region’s development, the power plant is being constructed with utmost care for the fragile Arctic ecosystem. The commissioning of the land-based SMR in Yakutia is scheduled for 2028.
Beyond the presented project, Rosatom’s portfolio also encompasses the world’s first floating nuclear power plant (FNPP), the Akademik Lomonosov. Since its commercial operation began in late 2019, the FNPP has generated over 700 million kilowatt-hours of electricity for Pevek, Russia’s northernmost city. Drawing upon this experience, Rosatom is advancing the next-generation floating power unit technology based on RITM-200 reactors. By 2029, these units are slated to provide power for the development of the Baimskaya ore zone in Chukotka. Additionally, Rosatom is spearheading the Shelf-M microreactors project, boasting a capacity of up to 35 MW. The first plant based on this technology is expected to be operational by 2030.
‘There are over 70
SMR projects in the design stage worldwide. Rosatom stands as the sole technology company that has translated words into action. Today, through our projects in Yakutia and Chukotka, we are committed to demonstrating the economic viability and reliability of SMRs. Establishing a reference project in the Russian Far East will pave the way for a vast market for this technology, just as the reference of Russian nuclear power plants (NPPs) based on VVER-1200 Gen III+ reactors demonstrated to the world that nuclear energy offers a safe solution to climate change. We are confident that the experience gained in the coming years will enable us to offer our partners around the globe the best SMR solutions,’ stated Kirill Komarov, First Deputy Director General for Development and International Business of Rosatom.
Panelists at the SMR Day discussion included Sama Bilbao y Leon, Director General of the World Nuclear Association, and high-ranking representatives of relevant ministries and energy companies from various co
untries. Participants in the discussion explored how SMRs can address a wide spectrum of national development objectives.
Source: Emirates News Agency