Blackouts: Russia proposes adoption of small modular nuclear reactors

• Small modular reactors are the latest technology capable of addressing the power shortage in Nigeria
• Russia’s state-run nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom, has proposed the use of the technology
• Experts say there is a global shift towards nuclear, not only in the energy sector, but other sectors 
  

Rosatom, Russia’s state-run nuclear energy corporation, has proposed the use of Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMR) to address the perennial power shortage that plagues most African nations, especially Nigeria. Acting Chief Executive Officer of Rosatom, Central and Southern Africa, Mr Ryan Collyer, made the submission in a recent statement. According to Collyer, there is a global shift toward nuclear, not only in the energy sector, but also to address a myriad of other issues. 

Collyer noted the adoption of Small Modular Reactors (SMR) can be a good alternative to diesel generators providing reliable power supply and preventing harmful emissions at a competitive price. 

According to him, the reactors offer unique benefits such as easy grid connection, flexibility in terms of placement, multipurpose application and possible integration with renewables. He said the reactors also offer lower capital investment which can be a crucial point while taking a decision of their deployment.

Shedding light on ROSATOM’s advancements in SMR technology, he highlighted Russia’s RITM-200, an advanced pressurized-water reactor that incorporates all the best features from its predecessors. Collyer highlighted the main advantages of RITM-200 reactor to include: cost-efficiency, small size and safety.

Russia’s RITM-200 reactor, he noted, was designed for nuclear icebreakers, land-based small Nuclear Power Plants and floating nuclear power plants. According to him, ROSATOM has already constructed six RITM-200 nuclear-powered reactors with two onboard Russia’s nuclear powered Arktika icebreaker. Collyer further disclosed Russia was working on the next generation of the offshore nuclear power plants as an optimised floating power unit (OFPU).