Russia Plans Waterborne Nuclear Power Plant; Environmentalists concerned

Russia is pursuing plans to develop a waterborne nuclear power plant that is designed to produce 80 megawatts of electricity. The floating nuclear power plant would be only the first of at least six destined for use along Russia's northern coastline.

Russia has already launched the ship in which the nuclear power plant would reside. The nuclear fuel, however, will be loaded in Murmansk. When ready, the waterborne nuclear power plant would be towed to its final destination. After 32 years of service, the nuclear power plant would be retired.

Environmentalists are understandably concerned about Russia 's planned waterborne nuclear power plant. Even though it was 25 years ago, the specter of Chernobyl and its nuclear power plant tragedy looms large in environmentalists’ and many others’ memories. A nuclear glitch in open water could result in the irradiation of the sea, the land, and thousands of people.

Officials at Russia's nuclear agency maintain that the waterborne nuclear plant will be “absolutely safe.”  Russian observers of the ongoing BP oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico are likely eerily reminded of similar words from BP oil executives.