US Plans Framework for Offshore Nuclear Reactors

The US has unveiled a new framework to support the future deployment of offshore nuclear reactors, as the Trump administration seeks to expand nuclear energy production and strengthen the country's long-term energy security.

The US Department of the Interior's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced on Wednesday that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to facilitate the potential deployment of nuclear reactors on the federal Outer Continental Shelf, which spans approximately 3.2 billion acres off the US coastline.

Acting BOEM Director Matt Giacona said submerged reactor systems have been safely used for decades in naval vessels and military facilities, demonstrating their ability to provide reliable power in challenging marine environments. He added that the technology could significantly enhance US energy security in the future.

Jeremy Bowen, Director of the NRC's Office of Advanced Reactors, said the agreement establishes a clear regulatory framework for cooperation between the two agencies, providing greater certainty for future applicants while supporting the safe and efficient deployment of advanced nuclear technologies.

Floating nuclear power plants have attracted growing international interest as countries seek new energy solutions. Russia remains the only country currently operating a floating nuclear power plant—the Akademik Lomonosov—in the country's Far East.

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Canada, China, Denmark, South Korea, Russia and the US are all developing designs for small offshore nuclear reactors.

The Trump administration aims to quadruple US nuclear energy production by 2050. However, the plan has drawn criticism from environmental groups, which argue that placing nuclear reactors on ageing offshore oil platforms could pose significant risks to marine ecosystems.