Offshore Nuclear Technology: Power Generation, Applications, and Challenges Across the Full Spectrum

Abstract As the world transitions towards decarbonization, numerous commitments have been made to combat climate change. A key player in this transition is nuclear power, which generates zero emissions and is highly scalable. It can thus supplement intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Furthermore, nuclear power can directly contribute to clean energy initiatives in critical sectors such as defense, transportation, and computing. Nuclear power is widely used with significant contributions to the energy grid in some nations. These countries have established extensive nuclear infrastructure, providing a reliable and substantial portion of their electricity. However, the potential for offshore nuclear power remains relatively immature. While there are conceptual designs and some pilot projects for floating nuclear plants, the larger-scale commercial deployment is still in its infancy. Challenges include technical, regulatory, and environmental concerns, particularly related to safety and potential impacts on marine ecosystems. Furthermore, the long-term disposal of nuclear waste in an offshore setting adds another layer of difficulty, making the deployment of nuclear technology offshore a highly challenging endeavor. The inherently harsh offshore environment, characterized by extreme weather, strong currents, and corrosive seawater, requires exceptionally sturdy and resilient infrastructure. Harsh marine environments expose these structures to corrosive saltwater, extreme weather conditions, and potential collisions with vessels, all of which demand robust engineering solutions. Notwithstanding these challenges, nuclear energy can play an important role in delivering a sustainable pathway to a secure, affordable, clean-energy future. Specifically, offshore nuclear can be a significant part of the energy mix. It may not be able to compete with offshore wind and electrokinetic power sources on a levelized cost of electricity basis, but it does not really have to. Its ability to provide reliable electricity at sea around the clock and without carbon emissions suffices. This paper discusses the prospects for offshore nuclear power generation, the challenges, and opportunities across the full spectrum of applications