A delegation of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) led by Mr Mikhail Chudakov, Deputy Director General of the IAEA and Head of the Department of Nuclear Energy, accompanied by Mr Andrea Borio di Tigliole, Programme Coordinator of the Department of Nuclear Energy, visited the Floating Nuclear Power Plant based on Russian SMR technology “Akademik Lomonosov” in Pevek, Russian Federation, from 2 to 4 September 2025.
The visit was hosted by Rosenergoatom, the main Russian utility that operates all the NPPs in Russia including the “Akademik Lomonosov”. The IAEA delegation was accompanied by high level officials, including leadership from the Headquarters in Moscow, Chief Engineer of the Floating NPP “Akademik Lomonosov”, and representatives of Rosatom Technical Academy that was engaged in training of the first crew of “Akademik Lomonosov”.
During the visit, the IAEA delegation visited the entire plant and its ancillary facilities, with the exception of the reactor hall, since the reactor was in operation. The delegation also held a technical exchange with the Chief Engineer and other Rosenergoatom Staffs on the technical feature of the plant, including the use for heat generation. Special attention was given to plans of the State Atomic Energy Corporation “Rosatom” for deployment of the FNPPs within and outside the Russian Federation as well as on the IAEA’s relevant activities and assistance to Member States for the development and deployment of FNPP technology and nuclear maritime propulsion. Mr Chudakov praised the excellent level of maintenance and safe operation of the “Akademik Lomonosov”, despite the harsh operating weather conditions and specially noted the high level of professionalism of its operating staff. Mr Chudakov highlighted the unique features of the “Akademik Lomonosov”, including the capacity to provide efficiently both electricity for the Chukotka region and heat for the city of Pevek, which is located beyond the Arctic polar circle with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius below zero during the winter season, the great flexibility in load-following operation, including the flexibility in the distribution of the generation power between electricity and heat. Mr Chudakov noticed that a FNPP such as the “Akademik Lomonosov” can really be a game changer for the sustainable development of remote regions by providing in an efficient manner the two most valuable resources, i.e. carbon-free electricity and heat, that can significantly reshape the present and future of local communities and beyond. Through technological solutions such as the “Akademik Lomonosov” FNPP, it is possible to effectively mitigate the challenges faced by remote communities and improve their living conditions to a sustainable level which will also contribute to preserve their existence. Mr Chudakov, also praised the successful efforts of the Rosatom Technical Academy in the development of human resources for the nuclear sector within the Russian Federation and abroad. The preservation of the nuclear knowledge and its transfer to the new generation of scientists and technicians is indispensable to ensure a brilliant future of the nuclear industry worldwide.
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The world is currently showing growing interest in small modular reactor (SMR) technologies. State Atomic Energy Corporation “Rosatom” is the only vendor in recent years to bring them into practical use. Five years ago a unique floating nuclear power plant (FNPP) was commissioned; serial production of innovative RITM-200 small reactors with a capacity of 55 MW is underway; preparations are being made to build a small modular power plant (SMPP) in Yakutia; and the world’s first export contract for the construction of an SMPP was signed with Uzbekistan.
Today the IAEA, together with the Rosatom Technical Academy — a modern international multidisciplinary center for training nuclear industry personnel — are actively working with countries considering establishing or expanding national nuclear energy programs, including in the context of SMR construction. Joint training courses are held in which foreign specialists are instructed on key aspects of site selection for power units, including assessment of geological, seismic, climatic and social factors, as well as on physical protection of nuclear facilities. Since 2019 the Technical Academy has been an IAEA Collaborating Centre. In 2024 the Agency extended the agreement, making it the first and only centre to cooperate with the Agency across five programme areas, including advanced small-scale technologies.
The floating nuclear power plant (FNPP, located in the town of Pevek in the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug) is the only operating floating small modular reactor in the world and the northernmost nuclear power plant globally. Its commissioning in May 2020 was a breakthrough for ensuring the sustainable development of Russia’s remote territories. The FNPP includes the floating power unit (FPU) Akademik Lomonosov with two KLT-40S reactor plants, supplying electrical and thermal power of 70 MW and 50 Gcal/h respectively, and onshore infrastructure designed to deliver heat and electricity from the FPU to consumers. In addition to generating electricity, the FNPP supplies heat to the town of Pevek and will become a reliable source of light and heat for the entire region.
Comprehensive development of Russia’s Arctic zone is one of the state’s strategic priorities. Increasing cargo traffic along the Northern Sea Route is essential for achieving transport and delivery objectives. Development of this logistics corridor is supported by establishing regular cargo shipments, building new nuclear icebreakers and modernizing the related infrastructure. State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom enterprises actively participate in this work.