Small-scale floating nuclear power plants, such as the nuclear thermal power plant (NTPP) "Elena-AM," can be leased to other countries, according to Mikhail Kovalchuk, president of the National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute."

"The creation of a floating nuclear power plant in Russia, especially a small one, is very important. It allows us to introduce new services to the market. For example, by placing the 'Elena-AM' station on a floating platform, we can lease it to any country without the need to sell it. This is a completely new economic model," said Kovalchuk.

The NTPP "Elena-AM" is being developed by the Kurchatov Institute at the request of Rosatom. These plants are planned to generate electricity and heat for remote and hard-to-reach regions. Specifically, the "Elena-AM" station is intended for use in the development of Siberia and the energy supply of Arctic territories.

"You can send these platforms along rivers like the Ob and Yenisei. Reaching these areas is difficult due to the lack of roads and electricity. With a small-scale floating station, it's possible to develop coastal areas," added Kovalchuk.

The first small nuclear power plant is expected to be operational by 2032. It will not require external power supply, with the future reactor's nominal thermal capacity set at 7 MW and its electrical output at no less than 200 kW. The station is designed to operate for 40 years on a single fuel load.