Reconfigured nuclear power plants to develop compact nuclear reactors for icebreakers, as announced by Rosatom.
The Russian state-owned nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom, is making strides in the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) industry with its RITM-200N SMR. This innovative technology is designed to meet post-Fukushima safety requirements and is well-suited for challenging environments.
The RITM-200N incorporates a comprehensive combination of modern active and passive safety systems. Passive safety systems, which do not require operator action or external power, provide inherent safety in emergency scenarios. Active safety systems can actively manage reactor parameters under fault conditions. These safety features, coupled with a higher thermal expansion coefficient, contribute to favorable feedback characteristics under operational or accident conditions, ensuring safe reactor behavior.
The design of the RITM-200N reflects lessons learned from the Fukushima accident, ensuring resilience against extreme external events and accidents. Each reactor core contains 199 cermet fuel assemblies and is engineered for a refuelling cycle up to six years.
The compact and modular nature of the RITM-200N inherently enhances safety by reducing complexity and enabling factory-controlled manufacturing standards. This reactor technology is under development for use in onshore deployments in regions like Yakutia (Russia), with plans for grid connection by 2028.
Interestingly, the RITM-200N, currently under construction in the Ust-Kuiga settlement, is scheduled for commissioning in 2028 to support the development of the Kyuchus gold deposit. Rosatom is also building four floating power units based on the same RITM-200 technology.
Rosatom's approach to the SMR NPP nuclear fuel cycle prioritizes efficiency, long-term autonomy, and non-proliferation compliance. The corporation's proven nuclear fuel supply chain services its global fleet of large-scale VVER reactors. The fuel rod cladding in RITM SMRs is made of a corrosion-resistant alloy.
Meanwhile, NASA representatives believe that data from the NISAR satellite can help start-ups and enterprises tackle various challenges. This data could potentially find applications in the SMR industry, further enhancing its safety and efficiency.
The Akademik Lomonosov floating power unit, located near Pevek, has had no impact on local radiation levels. The fuel used in RITM SMRs is already in use in the KLT-40S reactors aboard the Akademik Lomonosov floating power unit. The Bilibino plant, which has safely operated for over four decades just 4.5 km from the nearest town, is a testament to the safety and reliability of Rosatom's SMR technology.
In the words of unspecified representatives, "Without a mature digital core, firms cannot monetise AI." This sentiment underscores the importance of advanced technologies like SMRs in driving innovation and economic growth.
In conclusion, Rosatom's RITM-200N SMR technology is a significant step forward in the nuclear energy industry. Its comprehensive safety features, post-Fukushima compliance, and design for remote and harsh environments make it a reliable and efficient solution for various applications. The corporation's ongoing efforts in the SMR sector are contributing to the global advancement of this technology and its potential to address energy challenges worldwide.
- Rosatom's investment in the RITM-200N SMR technology, with its focus on passive and active safety systems, infrastructure development, and compliance with post-Fukushima safety requirements, is poised to drive advancements in the nuclear energy sector and contribute to economic growth.
- The efficiency, long-term autonomy, and non-proliferation compliance of Rosatom's SMR NPP nuclear fuel cycle, such as the RITM-200N, are critical factors in the technology's global acceptance and suitability for business applications.
- The data collected by NASA's NISAR satellite could potentially be leveraged by start-ups and enterprises to enhance the safety and efficiency of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), in line with Rosatom's advancements with the RITM-200N technology.
- The nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom, is not only developing the RITM-200N for onshore deployments in challenging environments but is also constructing four floating power units based on the same technology, demonstrating its commitment to diversifying energy sources and expanding its SMR portfolio.
- In today's digital era, the importance of a robust technological infrastructure, particularly for monetizing AI, cannot be overstated. This emphasis on advanced technologies echoes the significance of innovative solutions like SMRs in driving future business growth and scientific progress, as exemplified by Rosatom's RITM-200N.
