France develops underwater nuclear power plant concept

According to a report on January 25, 2011, in order to be able to further use nuclear energy to replace energy sources that generate CO2, France is trying hard to become a leader in the SMR market.

The world-famous Areva company in the nuclear energy field is developing a small reactor rated at 100 megawatts in order to expand the power coverage of its third-generation reactors. This is in view of Areva's experience in the development of small marine reactors. In parallel with the development of the French company DCNS, the company has carried out a two-year preliminary study on the concept of the innovative Flexbule nuclear power plant. Flexbule is also a small nuclear power plant with a power generation capacity of 50MW to 250MW and can be installed on the seabed near the ocean. Technical Parameters

Device shape: cylindrical

Length: about 100m

Diameter: about 12–15 m

Power: 50–250 MW

Design Concepts: Small Nuclear Reactor + Steam Turbine Alternator Set + Electrical Equipment (Transmission to shore via submarine cable)

Weight: 12,000 tons

Installation location: Underwater 60m to 100m.

Both Areva and EDF have expressed a strong interest in Flexblue's modular and standardized construction. DCNS will cooperate with Areva, French Electric and CEA Alternative Energy and Atomic Energy Commission to carry out the next phase of development of Flexblue, including the following specific studies:

1. Technology and production solutions;

2. Market potential;

3. Flexblue's competitiveness compared to other energy sources;

4. Nuclear proliferation issues;

5. The safety of the submarine nuclear power plant is comparable to that of the third-generation onshore nuclear power plant.

These research plans are completed in 2 years.