Allseas Launches Five-Year Plan for Offshore and Onshore Small Modular Reactor Development

Marine construction specialist Allseas has embarked on an ambitious five-year plan to design, develop, and deploy a small modular reactor (SMR) tailored for both offshore vessels and onshore use. The initiative aims to capitalize on the benefits of nuclear energy, offering energy density with zero emissions and a stable, scalable power supply.

SMRs hold promise for both offshore and onshore applications. Onshore, these reactors can alleviate grid pressure while providing consistent, carbon-free power and heat. Allseas has opted for high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs) in the 25MWe range, citing their inherently safe characteristics and fourth-generation reactor technology that generates energy without combustion or emissions.

HTGRs utilize tri-structural isotropic (TRISO) fuel particles, each encapsulating a uranium oxide core coated with advanced protective ceramic layers. This design ensures the secure containment of fission products, even under extreme conditions. The reactor’s self-regulating nature maintains stable temperatures well below critical thresholds, with automatic shutdown and cooling mechanisms in place in case of malfunctions.

Allseas is also exploring circular approaches to waste management, including the reuse of graphite and reprocessing of spent TRISO fuel. The company’s roadmap includes finalizing initial design studies in the first year, followed by prototype development and pre-licensing discussions.

Stephanie Heerema, project manager for nuclear development at Allseas, shared insights into the company’s timeline, stating, “Our goal is to commence production at a dedicated facility by 2030. Initial deployment is likely to begin on land, with offshore applications following suit once regulations are finalized. This aligns with our sustainability targets of achieving a 30% emissions reduction by 2030 and transitioning to net-zero operations by 2050.”