Korean floating SMR design certified

As part of the Novel Concept Class Approval process, the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) grants an Approval in Principle (AIP) at an early conceptual design phase to assist the client in demonstrating project feasibility to its project partners and regulatory bodies. Approval in Principle confirms that the proposed novel concept which includes the new technology complies with the intent of the most applicable ABS Rules and Guides as well as required appropriate industry codes and standards, subject to a list of conditions.

Under the certification process, Samsung Heavy Industries was responsible for the integration of the small modular reactors (SMRs) with the floating structure, the overall design of the nuclear power generation facilities, and the development of a multi-barrier reactor containment system. The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), meanwhile, adapted the land-based SMART100 SMR for offshore applications.

Although the Approval in Principle granted by the ABS is for a floating platform incorporating two SMART100 reactors, Samsung Heavy Industries said the concept can be adapted so that different SMR designs can be used.

"The FSMR (Floating SMR) is expected to be advantageous for commercialisation as it is a universal floating nuclear power facility model that can be equipped with various types of SMR," the company said. "FSMR is characterised by the application of the so-called 'compartment design', which groups and places the reactor and power generation facilities by function, and by changing the design of only the compartment where the SMR is placed makes it possible to develop FSMR with various types of SMRs applied."

In addition, the reactor and safety system - the core components of the floating nuclear power plant - have been modularised within a single containment vessel to enhance safety, and the SMR can be placed within the containment vessel to allow testing on land before being installed on board, thereby shortening the construction period, Samsung Heavy Industries added.

_{Floating SMR equipped with SMART100 (Image: KAERI)}

"This AIP is an important milestone for pioneering the offshore nuclear power generation market,” said Ahn Young-kyu, vice president and head of technology development at Samsung Heavy Industries. "Going forward, Samsung Heavy Industries will continue to develop safe and economical offshore nuclear power plants based on its offshore plant technology."

Cho Jin-young, head of KAERI's Advanced Nuclear Reactor Research Institute, said: "This acquisition of AIP using SMART100 proves the innovativeness of our nuclear power technology," and added, "We will accelerate technology development so that our country can establish itself as a leading country in the marine nuclear power industry."

_{(Image: Samsung Heavy Industries)}

The SMART100 (System-integrated Modular Advanced Reactor 100) is an advanced version of the original SMART design, which became the world's first SMR to receive standard design approval in mid-2012. SMART is a 330 MWt pressurised water reactor with integral steam generators and advanced safety features. The unit is designed for electricity generation (up to 100 MWe) as well as thermal applications, such as seawater desalination, with a 60-year design life and three-year refuelling cycle.

The SMART100 builds upon the safety, economic, and operational benefits of the SMART, offering enhanced power output and safety features. SMART100's development prioritised safety improvements, including the integration of a fully passive safety system. This system is capable of maintaining reactor cooling without the need for external power, using natural forces like gravity and fluid density differences to ensure the safe shutdown and cooling of the reactor during emergencies.

Along with these safety enhancements, SMART100 also offers increased thermal output, rising from 330 MW to 365 MW, while its electrical output has been boosted from 100 MW to 110 MW, significantly improving efficiency while maintaining a compact design. SMART100 received standard design approval in 2024.