26 Oct (NucNet): Lloyd’s Register Energy and the Nuclear Power Institute of China (NPIC) have signed what they said is a “major cooperation framework agreement for a first-of-a-kind floating nuclear vessel” that will be used in Chinese waters to supply electrical power to offshore installations.
The UK-based company said in a statement today that it would assist in the design and development of a “safe and secure floating vessel” containing a small modular reactor (SMR) – a first for China.
The company said the first contract under the framework agreement is to develop new nuclear safety regulations, safety guidelines and nuclear code and standards for the floating vessel that are consistent with offshore and international marine regulations and International Atomic Energy Agency nuclear safety standards.
Mark Bassett, nuclear director at Lloyd’s Register Energy, said Lloyd’s Register Energy helps clients design, construct and operate capital intensive assets to their highest levels of safety and performance. He said NPIC has asked Lloyds Register Energy to help them safely achieve this “technically challenging” offshore nuclear programme.
Melvin Zhang, Lloyd’s Register Energy’s vice-president of strategic development for Greater China, said the agreement marks the beginning of a ground-breaking initiative for the Chinese nuclear industry, taking nuclear power generation offshore.
He said the project is expected to set the pace for how nuclear power can be used and applied to support sustainable power generation in both energy and marine sectors.
NPIC said it believes there is “substantial opportunity” to further efforts in developing power generation for the future. This is just one example of how NPIC is seeking to innovate and apply new ways of using nuclear technology for robust power supply, the company said.
NPIC has both civilian and military functions. According to the Washington-based Nuclear Threat Initiative, it designed and built China’s first pressurised water reactor, its first high flux reactor, its first pulse reactor, as well as the Min Jiang Test Reactor. NPIC is involved in reactor design and safety research, and produces medical isotopes.
