Russia promotes floating nuke plants

MOSCOW, June 4 (UPI) -- A floating nuclear power plant being built in Russia is generating interest in other countries, a nuclear official said Monday.

"Some 20 countries have shown interest in floating NPPs, including Indonesia and China," Sergei Krysov, deputy general director of the state-controlled nuclear power plant company Rosenergoatom said, RIA Novosti reported.

Russia started building its first floating nuclear power plant in April in the northern Russia city of Severodvinsk and expects to complete it around 2010.

Krysov said China would buy or jointly build a floating plant after the Severodvinsk plan is complete, RIA Novosti said.

"We hope that Western countries will be ready for contracts on cooperation in floating NPP projects after the prototype power unit is completed," Krysov said.

Rosenergoatom representatives will visit Cape Verde this week to discuss the benefits of floating nuclear power plants, Krysov said.

"The Cape Verde islands have a great demand for increasing electricity output and fresh water, which is of primary importance. A floating NPP, which can produce both electricity and fresh water, would be a perfect solution for Cape Verde's leadership," Krysov said, RIA Novosti reported.