A services organization in Britain with its roots in maritime regulations, engineering and science, Lloyd's Register Energy, said it had signed an agreement with the Nuclear Power Institute of China (NPIC) to assist with the development of a floating small modular reactor (SMR).
On the heels of an agreement between the British government, EDF and the China General Nuclear Power Corporation that involves financing and construction of three nuclear power plants, Lloyd's said it would assist in the “design and development of a safe and secure floating vessel containing a Small Modular Reactor – a first for China.”
The first contract between the two is focused on development of new modular safety regulations, safety guidelines and nuclear codes for the vessel. Lloyd's said the aim was to help China create a vessel that is consistent with Offshore and International Marine Regulations and the International Atomic Energy Agency's safety standards.
Lloyd's said it was proud to work on a project for the country that is “at the forefront of the emerging nuclear renaissance.”
“Because we apply our expert knowledge to help clients design, construct and operate campial intensive assets to their highest levels of safety and performance, NPIC have asked us to help them safely achieve this technically challenging offshore nuclear program,” said Mark Bassett, Nuclear Director at Lloyd's Register Energy.
The plan, currently, calls for creating a power source that would be used offshore. The agreement “is also excellent news for the people of China and those working offshore in Chinese waters with the need for consistent and safe power supply,” said Melvin Zhang, Lloyd’s Register Energy’s Vice-President of Strategic Development for Greater China,
“This project is expected to set the pace for how nuclear power can be used and applied to support sustainable power generation in both energy and marine sectors,” he said.
NPIC said it was hopeful that the agreement would lead to future business opportunities.