In a step towards the deployment of Floating Nuclear Power Plants, the ABS Global Ship Systems Centre, CORE POWER and Athlos Energy will work together to evaluate the potential of positioning the platforms to meet the energy demands of islands, ports and coastal communities in the Mediterranean Sea.

The group will research how FNPPs can unlock a wide range of applications including the provision of grid scale electricity to remote locations, decarbonizing ports by providing emission free energy and providing reliable clean energy to desalination plants that will provide potable water to drought-affected coastal communities.

Nuclear energy is ideally suited to support energy demands across the electric, industrial, shipping and transportation sectors to optimize energy generation, utilize and maintain grid reliability as well as contribute to decarbonization.

As global efforts to decarbonize energy systems and strengthen energy security accelerate, the use of small modular reactors (SMRs) on floating platforms could offer a viable alternative. In October 2024, ABS unveiled the industry’s first comprehensive requirements for floating nuclear power plants. This consortium will develop original FNPP concepts of operations (CONOPS) and publish a visual display of their prospective locations.

The ABS Global Ship Systems Centre will lead a PESTLE (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental) study alongside key stakeholders with the aim of assessing the feasibility of adapting CONPOS to supply power and other benefits in the Aegean Sea. The main deliverable of this collaboration will be an open-access white paper for use by industry, policy makers and government.

In 2024, ABS unveiled the industry’s first comprehensive requirements for floating nuclear power plants. The Pathways to a Low Carbon Future Floating Nuclear Power Plant study is available here. The ABS Requirements for Nuclear Power Systems for Marine and Offshore Applications are available to download here, and Pathways to a Low Carbon Future LNG Carrier Nuclear Ship Concept Design report is available to download here.

“FNPPs can revolutionise 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 constructing and mass-assembling a fleet of FNPPs in shipyards, we can deliver clean nuclear energy on time and budget, solving many of the largest energy challenges we face. CORE POWER is delighted to partner with industry leaders, ABS and Athlos, on this project.” said Mikal Bøe CEO of CORE POWER.

“As global efforts accelerate to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiencies and strengthen energy security, the use of small modular reactors on floating platforms could offer a viable alternative. Floating nuclear power facilities show promise in supporting power grids, microgrids, industrial and port operations and data centers, among others,” said Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and CEO.

“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 accessing the feasibility of deploying floating nuclear reactors in the Aegean Sea”, said Dionysios Chionis, co-founder Athlos Energy.