Russian Nuclear Submarine Reactors: Applications for Civilian Power Generation

Abstract

As the worldwide demand for power increases, alternative sources of energy must be examined. Recently, in the former Soviet Union, a method of meeting the increasing demand for electricity was suggested: the nuclear reactors from decommissioned submarines could be adapted for use as civilian power stations in remote areas. Due to similarities between modern nuclear power plants and the reactors developed for submarines, this conversion should not pose any great engineering difficulties. However, it is important to examine the performance records of the Russian nuclear submarine fleet in terms of reliability and safety of these reactors to determine their suitability for use as power generating plants. By studying the known reactor accidents on board Russian nuclear vessels and making assumptions about their use based on the operation of nuclear submarines in other countries, an approximate probability of an accident resulting in core melting of 1 X 10=3 per reactor per year can be calculated for the Russian fleet. This number is at least one, and possibly two orders of magnitude higher than the average accepted probability for civilian reactors in use today around the world. Given this difference, the conversion of older submarine reactors into power generating plants does not appear to be an acceptable course of action. However, recent changes in the concept of nuclear safety in Russia has led not only to safer nuclear propulsion reactors, but also to the creation of a new breed of low-powered reactors. Both the new submarine reactors and their low-powered cousins may be capable of meeting the future demand for electricity in remote areas of Russia.