A New Era of Clean Energy: Floating Nuclear Power Plants in the Mediterranean
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), CORE POWER, and Athlos Energy have joined forces to explore the feasibility of utilizing floating nuclear power (FNPP) platforms to address the energy needs of islands, ports, and coastal communities in the Mediterranean Sea. This groundbreaking consortium aims to revolutionize the way clean energy is delivered to remote locations, ports, and desalination plants in the region.
Unlocking the Potential of Floating Nuclear Power
FNPPs have the potential to provide grid-scale electricity to isolated areas, deliver emission-free energy to ports, and supply reliable clean energy to desalination plants, offering a sustainable solution to water scarcity in coastal communities. The consortium will focus on developing innovative FNPP concepts of operations (CONOPS) and identifying suitable locations for these floating power plants.
The ABS Global Ship Systems Center in Athens will lead a comprehensive Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental (PESTLE) study in collaboration with key stakeholders to assess the feasibility of implementing FNPPs in the Aegean Sea. The research findings will be consolidated into an open-access white paper for the benefit of industry players, policymakers, and government agencies.
Pioneering Sustainable Energy Solutions
In 2024, ABS introduced the industry’s first set of requirements for floating nuclear power plants through the Pathways to a Low Carbon Future Floating Nuclear Power Plant initiative. ABS Chairman and CEO, Christopher J. Wiernicki, emphasized the potential of FNPPs in supporting energy grids, microgrids, industrial operations, and data centers, highlighting their role in advancing energy security and reducing emissions.
CEO of CORE POWER, Mikal Bøe, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with ABS and Athlos Energy, stating, “FNPPs can revolutionize the way we deliver reliable and affordable nuclear energy to provide vital carbon-free energy security to islands and coastal infrastructure in the Mediterranean.” By leveraging shipyard construction and mass assembly techniques, FNPPs offer a cost-effective and efficient solution to the region’s energy challenges.
The collaboration between ABS, CORE POWER, and Athlos Energy represents a significant step towards achieving sustainable energy solutions in the Mediterranean. Through the deployment of FNPPs, these organizations are poised to transform the energy landscape, paving the way for a cleaner and more resilient future for coastal communities in the region.