Norway to test floating nuclear plants using small modular reactors

Norway is exploring the development of floating nuclear power plants using small modular reactors (SMRs) with capacities of 200-250 MW to provide clean, reliable electricity for offshore platforms and onshore grids. This initiative is a collaboration between Norsk Kjernekraft, a Bergen-based nuclear project developer, and Ocean-Power AS, a company aiming to become an offshore electricity provider. They plan to place SMRs on barges—flat-bottomed vessels without propulsion—to minimize land use while leveraging Norway’s maritime and engineering expertise. The floating plants aim to supply power to remote industrial hubs and offshore installations, supporting Norway’s transition to sustainable energy and reducing emissions. The partnership intends to combine Norsk Kjernekraft’s nuclear expertise with Ocean-Power’s infrastructure capabilities to develop innovative, flexible energy solutions that can also capture and store carbon dioxide emissions from combined cycle systems. The project emphasizes assessing concepts, technologies, and business models within Norwegian regulations and aims to mobilize the Nordic supplier industry to create world-leading,