Russia’s Floating Nuclear Plants May Power Remote Amazon Regions

Brazil is eyeing Rosatom’s mobile nuclear reactors to replace costly diesel generators in hard-to-reach parts of the Amazon.

Brazil is exploring the use of Russian-made floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs) to address chronic energy shortages in the remote Amazon region, according to First Technical.

The goal is to replace diesel generators, which currently supply electricity to isolated communities but come with high operating costs and significant carbon emissions. Due to poor infrastructure and lack of roads, energy in the Amazon costs three to five times more than in southern Brazil.

Russia’s FNPP technology, already operational at the Akademik Lomonosov facility in Pevek, enables the deployment of 100-megawatt power units without the need for large-scale construction. This makes it particularly well-suited for swampy or forested terrain, where conventional infrastructure is difficult to build.

Rosatom has offered not only to supply the plants but also to assist with design, construction, and maintenance. Such cooperation could deepen BRICS-level technological exchange and strengthen the strategic partnership between Russia and Brazil.

If the deal moves forward, it would mark a new milestone in the global expansion of peaceful nuclear energy—and reaffirm Russia’s leadership in mobile nuclear tech.