Rosatom Intensifies Push for Floating Nuclear Power Plants Across Africa

Rosatom Promotes Floating Nuclear Solutions in Africa

Russia's State Atomic Energy Corporation, Rosatom, is actively engaging with energy experts and political leaders across Africa to advocate for the adoption of its advanced floating nuclear power plant (FNPP) technology. This push comes as African nations increasingly seek reliable and sustainable energy sources to fuel economic growth, enhance energy security, and meet decarbonization goals. Rosatom highlights its expertise as the sole operator of a commercial floating nuclear power unit globally.

Akademik Lomonosov: A Proven Model

At the core of Rosatom's offering is the Akademik Lomonosov, the world's first and only commercial floating nuclear power plant. This vessel, equipped with two KLT-40S reactors, has been supplying electricity and heat to the city of Pevek in Russia's Chukotka region since December 2019, with commercial operation commencing in May 2020. Each KLT-40S reactor generates 35 MWe, providing a total electrical capacity of 70 MWe. Beyond electricity, the Akademik Lomonosov can also produce up to 300 MW thermal for heating and has the capacity to desalinate up to 240,000 cubic meters of fresh water per day. Rosatom emphasizes the technology's minimal infrastructure requirements, rapid deployment capabilities, and suitability for remote areas and island states.

Growing African Interest and Engagements

African countries are demonstrating a growing interest in nuclear power, integrating it into their national energy strategies. Vladimir Aptekarev, Deputy Director General for Commercialization of Floating Power Solutions at Rosatom, noted during the African Energy Week conference in Cape Town that 'The interest of African states in nuclear technology is growing, with many countries on the continent beginning to incorporate nuclear energy into their national plans.' Rosatom is currently involved in approximately 30 energy projects across 16 African countries. Recent engagements and agreements include:

• Ghana: Ongoing discussions for the potential deployment of two or three floating nuclear power units, with Rosatom proposing a model of direct electricity sales to mitigate upfront investment for the country.
• Guinea-Conakry: Signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in June 2024 to cooperate on the development of floating nuclear power plants.
• Burkina Faso: Signed cooperation agreements in July 2025 at the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), covering nuclear infrastructure development, medicine, personnel training, and the construction of a nuclear power plant.
• Mali: Concluded a cooperation agreement in July 2025, also at SPIEF, focusing on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, including the potential for a Russian-designed Small Modular Reactor (SMR).
• Nigeria: Rosatom has proposed SMRs as a solution to power shortages, building on an existing pact for up to four nuclear power plants.
• Ethiopia: Signed a deal in September 2025 for the construction of two 1,200MW nuclear units.
• Niger: Plans to build two 2 GW nuclear reactors with Rosatom, following an MoU signed in July 2025.

Benefits and Future Outlook

Rosatom emphasizes that its floating nuclear technology, including SMRs, offers a 'cost-effective, easily scalable and quickly deployable option' to meet Africa's increasing energy demands. These solutions are presented as drivers for socio-economic development, capable of creating new jobs and supporting decarbonization efforts. The company is also developing second-generation Optimized Floating Power Units (OFPUs) for export. Rosatom's CEO for Southern and Central Africa, Ryan Collyer, noted that 'We see Africa not just as a market, but as a strategic partner,' highlighting a comprehensive approach that includes technology transfer and human capital development.