Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom is pursuing floating nuclear plant projects in four African countries, with 100-megawatt units and servicing in Russia at the center of its export offer, Reuters reported Wednesday.
Speaking at the Russia-Africa Summit, Rosatom Chief Executive Alexei Likhachev identified Egypt, Togo, Namibia and Tanzania as possible hosts. Reuters reported that the discussions concern potential projects.
Rosatom's proposal would use power purchase agreements, with servicing and fuel replacement carried out in Russia. The company says this arrangement could allow a unit to operate for up to 60 years. For overseas markets, Rosatom is offering 100-megawatt units using RITM-200M reactors adapted for warmer climates, Reuters reported.
Rosatom machine-building division deputy head Vladimir Aptekarev put the number of African countries with coastlines suited to floating units at 38, out of more than 50. He said the plants need less infrastructure on land and can be towed to their destinations. Aptekarev argued they could provide energy quickly and at lower cost, and give countries an initial route into nuclear power.
The only floating nuclear plant currently in operation is in Russia's Chukotka region and dates from 2020, Reuters reported. Rosatom has also reached an agreement with Indonesia to export electricity from two floating units with a combined capacity of 200 megawatts, which the company describes as a world first.
Rosatom is building El Dabaa, set to become Egypt's first nuclear power plant, with four 1,200-megawatt units using Russian-designed VVER-1200 reactors. Once complete, it would be Africa's second nuclear power station after South Africa's Koeberg, built with French technology in the mid-1980s, Reuters reported.
Likhachev said a meeting between the Russian and Egyptian presidents, scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 28, could advance the floating-plant proposal in Egypt.
