Floating power plants could offer coastal communities a reliable energy source. Here’s how
These mobile power systems could be a lifeline for remote, island and disaster-prone places.
Floating power plants can offer coastal communities a reliable energy source, addressing the limitations of traditional solar and wind infrastructure. These floating vessels carry on-board energy generation systems that connect directly to onshore power grids. The concept of floating power plants is not new; in 1931, the SS Jacona was converted into a floating power plant that supplied energy to coastal communities along the northeast tip of the United States.
After World War II, major manufacturers like Westinghouse and Wärtsilä began building floating power barges to provide energy to developing nations. These power plants can offer a permanent supply of energy for whole cities or provide temporary power for specific activities like mining or during emergencies. There are two main types of floating power plants: ships and barges.
Ships, such as the Turkish MV Doğan Bey, are self-propelled vessels that can generate electricity from natural gas or heavy oil. Barges, on the other hand, are flat-bottomed vessels that don't have a motor and are towed to where they are needed, generating power once connected to local electrical infrastructure. Solar power barges, fitted with solar panels and batteries, are particularly useful in river or remote coastal communities, providing energy for activities like aquaculture and oyster farming.
However, power ships and barges have limitations, such as their reliance on emissions-intensive fuels or their inability to operate in certain locations. As the world focuses on decarbonizing the energy sector, attention is shifting to floating nuclear power plants. These plants generate electricity using compact nuclear reactors, offering a constant power supply for cities of over 200,000 people.
They remove the need for diesel and reduce health and environmental risks associated with black soot. The Akademik Lomonosov, a floating nuclear power plant developed by Russia, is the first of its kind in operation, supplying energy to the remote Siberian city of Pevek. Despite these advantages, nuclear power poses environmental risks and remains in its early stages, with only one plant in operation.
However, countries like Russia and South Korea are developing floating nuclear power plants for domestic and international markets, highlighting growing interest in this innovative energy solution.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
