Exploring the Potential of Floating Nuclear Power Plants in the Mediterranean

Shipping nuclear propulsion start-up CORE POWER, ABS, and Athlos Energy have joined forces to form a consortium dedicated to evaluating the viability of floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs) in meeting the energy needs of islands, ports, and coastal communities in the Mediterranean Sea.

The consortium aims to investigate how FNPPs could revolutionize energy distribution by providing grid-scale electricity to remote locations, delivering emission-free energy to ports, and supplying clean power to desalination plants for producing potable water in drought-affected coastal areas.

One of the key objectives of the consortium is to develop innovative FNPP concepts of operations and showcase potential deployment locations through visual representations.

The ABS Global Ship Systems Centre, headquartered in Athens, will take the lead in conducting a comprehensive study encompassing political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental factors to assess the feasibility of implementing these operational concepts in the Aegean Sea.

Commenting on the initiative, Dionysios Chionis, co-founder of Athlos Energy, highlighted the significance of exploring nuclear power as part of Greece’s energy strategy, stating, “As Greece reconsiders its energy future, the role of nuclear power is increasingly back on the agenda. This study marks an important first step in assessing the feasibility of deploying floating nuclear reactors in the Aegean Sea.”

The primary output of this collaborative effort will be an open-access white paper intended for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and governmental bodies to leverage in their decision-making processes.

ABS Chairman and CEO, Christopher J. Wiernicki, emphasized the potential benefits of floating nuclear power facilities in supporting various sectors such as power grids, microgrids, industrial operations, port facilities, and data centers, underscoring their versatility and adaptability.