ALBAWABA - In a groundbreaking development, Russia's leading nuclear energy entity, Rosatom, has kickstarted the crucial fueling process for the singular floating nuclear power plant located in the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug.
This marks the inaugural delivery of nuclear fuel to the Akademik Lomonosov, the world's only floating power unit. Stringent measures ensuring radiation safety were meticulously observed during these operations, with the entire fueling process slated for completion by year-end.
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As reported on futureflow.life, specialists from Rosatom's energy arm, Rosenergoatom Concern LLC, commenced the historic nuclear fuel delivery to the floating power plant situated in Pevek, within the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug. Fresh fuel bundles were efficiently loaded into one of the Akademik Lomonosov's two reactors positioned on the starboard side.
Transported via dedicated shipping containers through the Northern Sea Route to the Pevek port, the fuel bundles were swiftly transferred to the Akademik Lomonosov. The fuel, a product of Mashinostroitelny Zavod LLC, a subsidiary of Rosatom's Fuel Company TVEL, is specifically tailored for the unique requirements of the floating power plant.
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Highlighting the significance of this accomplishment, Alexey Fedotov, Chief Engineer of the floating nuclear power plant, underscored, "Comprehensive measures were implemented to adhere to radiation safety standards throughout the nuclear fueling process. Each of the 121 fuel bundles underwent rigorous approval checks before being loaded into the reactor. An automated crane will facilitate their sequential placement after thorough inspections by experts."
Maxim Shamambayev, Head of the Nuclear Security Department and Chief Physics Specialist of the Floating Power Plant, provided assurance, stating, "The radiation background in the vicinity of the floating power unit remained stable during these operations, with radiation levels measured in Pevek remaining within natural thresholds."
Anticipated to conclude by the close of this year, the direct refueling operation conducted on the water's surface sets the stage for the next nuclear fuel supply, scheduled for the port-side reactor unit of the Akademik Lomonosov in 2024.
