Two Belgian companies – the maritime group Exmar, in collaboration with the nuclear research centre SCK CEN – are investigating the possibilities of a floating nuclear power plant, they announced on Monday.
Exmar contacted the SCK CEN research centre in Mol (Antwerp province), they announced during a visit by Federal Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet (MR) to the port of Antwerp on Monday.
"Several talks have been held to explore what the specific challenges might be in developing a 'Floating Nuclear Power Plant'," a SCK CEN spokesperson confirmed to Belga News Agency.
For Exmar CEO Carl-Antoine Saverys, nuclear power is part of the solution to provide people and businesses with electricity in the future. "On top of that, there is a unique expertise in our country to build such an offshore 'Floating Nuclear Power Plant'."
Such a power plant would also be resistant to earthquakes or tsunamis, and could provide energy whenever and wherever it is needed, he stressed.
Two scenarios
Currently, two scenarios would be on the table, both of which would take many years to build. The first scenario uses fairly old technology – that is, a second-generation nuclear reactor. Due to the more or less outdated technology, this could potentially meet resistance from citizens and governments. Between the investment decision and start-up, there would be a minimum of six years in this case.
Another scenario aims for a more forward-looking plant with minimal nuclear waste – a fourth-generation reactor. Building such a ship or other floating colossus, however, requires a lot more research and would therefore take at least 13 years.
Finally, Exmar and SCK CEN are looking specifically at the so-called Small Modular Reactors (SMR). These are small, innovative reactors that use lead-cooled technology, and have an output of 25 to 300 megawatts. In fact, the Federal Government's coalition agreement included that the government would support the construction of the first SMR in Belgium.
