Russia aims to open floating nuclear power plant in 2016

Floating plant illustration

In Russia, a plant can power you.


Russia is a big place with lots of remote outposts. Getting power to those far-flung places can be a challenge. That’s why Russia has hatched a plan to create floating nuclear power plants, essentially putting them in port to supply energy to locations that need power but can’t build a traditional plant on land.


Russia has plans to develop a whole fleet of these plants, with each one requiring a crew of 69 people. One vessel would be able to power a mid-sized city, an industrial area, or offshore oil operations. It also potentially could be used for desalinating water.

According to, initial construction of a floating nuclear power plant began back in 2007, but it was stalled due to financing. A new agreement signed last year has Baltiysky Zavod Shipbuilding, the shipbuilder behind the project, optimistic about a 2016 opening date.

There are bound to be questions about the sagacity of setting a series of nuclear power plants afloat on the water, but the manufacturers insist that the vessels are safeguarded against accidents, like tsunamis or collisions with other seafaring craft. Considering the previous delays, it will be interesting to see if the latest deadline can be met.

Illustration of floating power plant.

This sort of plant could be destined for remote locations.


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