A subsidiary of Russian state nuclear engineering group Rosatom has been granted approval to construct small modular reactors (SMRs) based on the design used in icebreakers.

Rosatom Overseas JSC, which promotes Russian nuclear technology in the world market, has received a license from the Federal Service for Environmental, Technological and Nuclear Supervision within the framework of a land-based SMR plant construction project with an RITM-200N reactor to be implemented in Yakutia, Russia. Rosatom has already constructed six of these reactors, and the two onboard the Arktika Conceptual design of the SMR plant. Source: Rusatom Overseas JSCicebreaker have already attained criticality.

The RITM-200 is a light water nuclear reactor incorporating a dual circuit with four steam generators. The integrated design reduces material consumption and dimensions of the installation, lowers the risk of leaks from the primary reactor loop, and facilitates assembly and dismantling. Four main circulation pumps surround the reactor vessel, which typically delivers a thermal capacity of 175 MW and power on the shaft of the propulsion system of 30 MWe (in the transport version) or 55 MWe in stationary systems. The SMR uses up to 20% enriched uranium-235 and can be refueled every 10 years for a 60 year planned lifespan in floating power plant installation. If installed in a stationary power plant, the fuel cycle is six years.

Construction of the land-based reactor is expected to begin in 2024 and be complete by the end of 2028.