Russian Floating Nuclear Power Plants for Qatar
Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) has opened discussions with Russia about utilizing new Russian floating nuclear power plants (FNPP). Qatar is studying the possibility of adding up to 5,400 MW of nuclear capacity between 2011 and 2036. Qatar is also constructing the world’s largest solar power facility, which should be operational by 2013.The country is also interested in using nuclear power for electricity so they can export more gas for additional income. Russia plans to only lease FNPP’s, but potential dependence on a foreign energy supply is not a concern. If Russia ever tried to put pressure on Qatar, the middle eastern country could always revert back to power from its gas reserves.
The Russian floating nuclear power plants are a good prospect for Qatar because they not only have the capability to generate electricity, but can also be used to desalinate water. Kahramaa estimates local daily water demand in Qatar could more than double by 2012 to approximately 681,000 cubic meters per day. FNPP’s can supply roughly 240,000 cubic meters of water each day, which would at least partially solve the problem.
The first Russian FNPP’s are anticipated to be online by 2011. These plants use two KLT-40S reactors similar to those used on Russian icebreakers and submarines. The expected capacity is 70 MW, enough to power cities of 100,000-200,000 people. Radioactive byproducts will be stored in special compartments and removed every 10-12 years during pre-planned overhauls.
Traditional land-based nuclear plants have been considered, but necessary safety zones make it inconvenient to locate a facility in such a small country. Also, it is not clear if the existing electricity grid can support the additional 1,000 MW from a large, land-based plant.
The biggest concern about such plants is safety and security. Rosatom director Sergei Kiriyenkosays says FNPP’s will be much safer than land-based facilities. The plants will have five radiation protection barriers and can withstand a 7-8 point earthquake, 100 mph winds or a falling Jak-40 jet. Transportation will be without fuel, refueling will occur at special, secure shipyards and the plants are being designed with unspecified security systems to protect them from underwater sabotage.
That’s all well and good, but you know my feelings about nuclear power. A big problem with these plants is not only that radioactivity can be spread in the atmosphere, but also via ocean currents. It certainly is an interesting idea, but not one I can get behind.
