Small nuclear heat and power co-generation stations and water desalination complexes on the basis of marine reactor plants Original Research Article

Russia possesses a powerful ice-breaker transport fleet which offers a solution for important socio-economic tasks of the countryʹs northern regions by maintaining a year-round navigation along the Arctic sea route. The total operating record of the marine nuclear reactors till now exceeds 150 reactor-years, their main equipment items operating life amounted to 120 000 h. Progressive design-constructional solutions being perfected continuously during 40 years of nuclear-powered ships creation in Russia and well proven technology of all components used in the marine nuclear reactors give grounds to recommend marine NSSSs of KLT-40 type as energy sources for heat and power co-generation plants and sea water desalination complexes, particularly as floating installations. Co-generation stations are considered for deployment in the extreme north of Russia. Nuclear floating desalination complexes can be used for drinkable water production in coastal regions of Northern Africa, the Near East, India etc.