Russia launches world's first floating nuclear power plant
What's the story
Russia today launched the world's first floating nuclear power station at a ceremony in the port of Murmansk, where it will be loaded with nuclear fuel before heading to eastern Siberia.
It will be primarily used to power oil rigs as Russia pushes further north into the Arctic to drill for oil and gas and needs electricity in far-flung locations.
The Plant
Holds two reactors with two 35 megawatt nuclear reactors
The 144 x 30 meter (472 x 98 foot) ship is constructed by the state nuclear power firm Rosatom and holds two reactors with two 35 megawatt nuclear reactors.
The barge can produce enough electricity to power a town of 200,000 residents.
It weighs 21,000 tons and will be towed to the port of Pevek, 350km north of the Arctic Circle in 2019 summer.
Details
Supply of electricity and heat to remote regions
Vitaly Trutnev, who is in charge of the construction and operation of floating nuclear power stations at Rosatom, said such units would supply electricity and heat to the most remote regions, supporting also growth and sustainable development.
He added that such reactors can save 50,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
The barge was initially scheduled to be fuelled in Saint Petersburg.