Floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs) could supply electricity, heat, and other energy products to ports, industrial facilities, and coastal communities. Making FNPPs commercially viable requires additional security, spent fuel, and liability policies. In this report, NIA analyses barriers to commercializing FNPPs and makes the following recommendations:
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Security: Establish a clear division of security responsibilities between the Coast Guard and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
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Spent fuel: Reform spent nuclear fuel and greater-than-class-C waste policy to support credible servicing, transfer, and interim-storage arrangements for FNPPs.
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Liability: Clarify and, where necessary, extend liability coverage for U.S.-licensed FNPP operations and encourage commercial insurance.