Core Power will develop a US-anchored maritime civil nuclear programme that will bring floating nuclear power to market by the mid-2030s. From floating nuclear power plants, the programme is to move on developing nuclear propulsion for civil ships.
The programme, titled Liberty, will lay the foundation for the use of nuclear power in the civil maritime sector. It will encompass modular construction of advanced fission technology and create the regulatory and supply chain frameworks necessary to enable this technology to be rolled out worldwide.
Core Power CEO Mikal Bøe laid out the company’s transformative vision in his keynote presentation at Core Power’s summit in Houston, Texas, which took place on 12th February. Over 230 delegates were in attendance to hear a wide variety of speakers explore the many possible uses of nuclear power in the maritime sector.
‘The Liberty programme will unlock a floating power market worth USD 2.6 trillion, and shipyard construction of nuclear will deliver on time and on budget,’ Bøe said. ‘Given that 65 per cent of economic activity takes place on the coast, this will allow nuclear to reach new markets.’
Also read: Core Power plans floating nuclear plant in US ports
From power plants to nuclear propulsion for ships
The first part of the Liberty programme will see the mass production of floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs). The expertise gained in rolling out FNPPs on a large scale will pave the way for the second part of the program, which involves developing nuclear propulsion for civil ships. Mass production is possible because the Liberty programme will employ advanced nuclear technologies.
The programme’s name emphasises the US-anchored nature of the programme, which will leverage the country’s globally respected nuclear regulatory frameworks to make worldwide operation of FNPPs and nuclear-powered ships a reality.
Bøe: ‘Core Power’s Liberty programme will deliver resilient energy security for heavy industry and ocean transport. In doing so, it will revolutionise the maritime sector and transform global trade.’
Also read: Westinghouse and Core Power partner on floating nuclear power plants
