A memorandum of understanding signed between the partners “lays the foundation for a collaboration in which the parties will investigate, develop and mature solutions that combine reliable, emission-free nuclear power with flexible maritime platforms,” Norsk Kjernekraft said.
The partners will initially collaborate to investigate possible concepts, technology choices and business models. The projects will be built and operated in accordance with Norwegian legislation and regulations, and the ambition is to draw on the broad experience and expertise of Norwegian and Nordic industry.
Ocean-Power develops technology and infrastructure for sustainable power production. Its current concept is to develop floating power plants featuring combined cycle power plants (gas turbines and steam turbines). The 200-250 MW floating plants would be used to supply power to nearby platforms for the offshore version and to the grid inshore. CO2 from the exhaust gases will be captured and would then be either injected directly into a nearby geological formation, into a pipeline or liquefied and transported by vessel for usage or permanent storage.
Norsk Kjernekraft aims to build, own and operate SMR power plants in Norway in collaboration with power-intensive industry.
“We want to mobilise the Nordic supplier industry to build solutions that can become world-leading,” Ocean-Power CEO Erling Ronglan said. “Nuclear power on barges provides completely new opportunities for secure, stable and climate-friendly energy supply – for industry, society and maritime operations. This can be an important part of Norway’s contribution to achieving climate goals, while creating value for future generations.”
“This is an important step in the right direction to ensure a long-term nuclear power investment in Norway that involves the best of Norwegian industry,” said Norsk Kjernekraft CEO Jonny Hesthammer. “With reduced activity in the petroleum sector, we need new industrial adventures, and floating nuclear power can be one of them. Together with Ocean-Power, we want to explore how we can deliver stable, clean energy to industry and society – with minimal land use and maximum flexibility.”
Last month, Ocean-Power and Danish nuclear technology company Copenhagen Atomics signed an MoU to jointly study the potential for producing electricity and heat in Norway using thorium-based molten salt reactors. The joint study will assess the technical and regulatory conditions for deploying thorium reactors in Norway.
