Izvestiya vuzov. Yadernaya Energetika

The peer-reviewed scientific and technology journal. ISSN: 0204-3327

Concept of the Low-Power Nuclear Power Plant («LBE-GT Arctic») as a Solution of the Problem of Energy Supply to Remote Arctic Regions

5/18/2026 2026 - #02 Nuclear power plants

Verbitsky A.G. Osheyko Yu.V. Tormyshev I.V. Troyanov V.M.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.26583/npe.2026.2.03

UDC: 621.039

Concept of small nuclear reactor (SMR), based on the combination of lead-bismuth eutectics (LBE) cooled reactor and air open gas turbine (GT) (so-called LBE-GT design) for remote Arctic regions has been proposed. The concept is based on experience gained from lead-bismuth cooled reactors. Also the concept includes achievements of SVBR-100 project and modern gas turbines technologies. The experience achieved by IPPE on series of lead-bismuth cooled reactors allows make LBE-GT suitable for “green field” operating scheme – with no on-site refueling or radioactive waste storage. In IPPE preliminary numerical modelling and calculation have been conducted for key features of SVGT concept including both general figures of concept and lifetime cycle of single power LBE-GT unit. In the article, the authors, based on the analysis performed, attempt to formulate a set of basic technical concept and requirements for SMR with nuclear power unit, using LBE and GT in the open air cycle, and present a set of fundamental technical solutions for the implementation of the concept.

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small nuclear power plant lead-bismuth coolant gas turbine technical concept and requirements

Link for citing the article: Verbitsky A.G., Osheyko Yu.V., Tormyshev I.V., Troyanov V.M. Concept of the Low-Power Nuclear Power Plant («LBE-GT Arctic») as a Solution of the Problem of Energy Supply to Remote Arctic Regions. Izvestiya vuzov. Yadernaya Energetika. 2026, no. 2, pp. 45-54; DOI: https://doi.org/10.26583/npe.2026.2.03 (in Russian).

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