Industry leaders met in Athens this week to discuss the possible deployment of Floating Nuclear Power Plants (FNPP) in Greece.
CORE POWER, ABS Hellas, and Athlos Energy agreed to look at the political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental considerations when siting nuclear reactors at sea.
The main areas of discussion were around political leadership and public engagement as key enablers supported by economic opportunity, technological readiness and favourable legal pathways.
Greece hints at switch to nuclear energy
Attendees highlighted positive statements made by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis about how nuclear energy might be included in the National Energy and Climate Plan by 2027.
In a significant policy shift, Mitsotakis in June hinted at Greece’s potential future development of nuclear energy as a crucial component of its green transition strategy.
In speaking at the Energy Transition Summit: East Med and Southeastern Europe conference, Mitsotakis stated Greece “should be prepared to join the nuclear alliance.”
The Prime Minister acknowledged the unexpected nature of this declaration, given Greece’s lack of prior experience in nuclear energy. “This may come as a shock to some of those listening to us,” he remarked in conversation with FT’s climate editor, Emiliya Mychasuk.
Greece could become a leader in floating nuclear energy generation
“Greece has an opportunity to become the leader in floating nuclear energy generation in the Mediterranean region. This gathering of industry leaders marks the start of a journey which will lead to improved energy security and clean energy availability,” said Charlotte Vere, Group Head Market Development, CORE POWER.
CORE POWER is the leading developer in the OECD of both advanced nuclear technologies and shipyard construction designs for maritime applications.
“At ABS, our goal is clear: to ensure this transformative technology develops with the highest safety standards, while positioning the maritime industry to capitalize on its game-changing potential. Our Floating Nuclear Power Plant Guide provides a robust framework for safety, resilience, and operational integrity,” said Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer.
ABS, a global leader in classification services, is focused on delivering a safer, cleaner future for the marine and offshore industries.
Safety concerns and risks associated with floating nuclear power
The most obvious risk is accidental collision with other vessels or the potential for sinking due to severe weather, hull failure, or military action. This could lead to a breach of the containment vessel and a massive release of radioactive material into the ocean.
A mobile, easily accessible target at sea is potentially more vulnerable to non-state actors, piracy, or sabotage than a heavily guarded land-based facility.
Also, discharging large volumes of heated cooling water could locally impact marine life and ecosystems near the deployment site.
Related: Mitsotakis: Gas Exploration Drilling in Ionian Sea Within 18 Months