Analysis of advanced nuclear technologies applicable in the Russian Arctic

Abstract

Abstract.The main areas and developmental prospects of nuclear technologies used in the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation are considered in the article. The main directions of the key Russian nuclear research centres and development are discussed. An analysis of advanced nuclear research and development aimed at the development of the Arctic is carried out. The following advanced technologies applicable in the Russian Arctic were described in the article: low-power nuclear power plants; an autonomous automated nuclear power plant for the power supply of subsea and sub-ice drilling and oil and gas production complexes on the shelf of the Arctic seas; a transportable nuclear power plant with a VBER-300 reactor facility based on a stationary ice-resistant platform for power supply of the gas production and processing centres in the Arctic; a system of autonomous power supply of the remote control centre of the prospective hydrocarbon deposit of the Arctic shelf on the basis of an autonomous nuclear power unit; nuclear power modules for power supply of subsea and sub-ice facilities of the Arctic offshore fields; a nuclear subsea gas pumping station; the atomic icebreaker project 10510 -"Leader". Conclusions about priority areas of development for nuclear technologies in the Russian Arctic are formulated. IntroductionIn the present context of the intensive development of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation, the problem of ensuring fail-safe power supply becomes especially urgent. In a number of energy-deficit areas, electricity and heat supply problems can be solved by using currently available alternative energy sources. However, the severe natural and climatic conditions characteristic of the northern regions of Russia make it difficult to implement electricity generation solutions based on the transformation of solar, wind, wave or tidal energy. Conversely, the deployment of local generating facilities based on nuclear reactor facilities presents itself as a reliable, safe and cost-effective solution to the problem of maintaining electricity supply. At present, there are two nuclear power plants operating in the Russian Arctic -the Kola (1760 MW) and Bilibino (48 MW) facilities.The year-round navigation through the Northern sea route by means of a fleet of nuclear icebreakers is a very important aspect of development of economic activity in the Russian Arctic. The development of new nuclear icebreaker projects will make it possible for ships having a larger deadweight and hull width than is currently possible to navigate the Arctic ice seas, as well as to increase the speed of vessels currently navigating severe ice situations. Among technological leaders in the field of nuclear research and development technologies for the Russian Federation are the following companies: JSC "Afrikantov OKBM", JSC "NIKIET", National Research Centre "Kurchatov Institute", JSC "Atomenergo". Research and development centres of nuclear technologies applicable in the Russian JSC "Afrikantov OKBM"JSC "Afrikantov OKBM", a large...

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