Chapter 639 A submersible nuclear power plant?

 Germany and France are two extremes. In France, most of the electricity is provided by nuclear energy. Germany, which also lacks energy, is very resistant to nuclear energy. Environmentalists often block the construction of nuclear power plants.

As a result, Germany began to rely on natural gas. The problem was that Germany did not produce natural gas itself. This dependence brought huge crises in later generations. In the end, the EU compromised and recognized that nuclear power and natural gas are clean energy sources. This was also the result of negotiations between France and Germany. The Germans continue to dismantle nuclear power and buy natural gas at high prices, while France continues to use nuclear energy with pride.

 Now, it is possible to transplant nuclear power to the sea without polluting the environment on land, right?

Of course, Qin Tao didn't know whether it would work or not. He just said that since this project has started, it might as well be bigger.

Of course, Qin Tao did not come alone. The team he brought boarded the nuclear submarine and began to test the internal situation to see if it could be converted into a floating nuclear power plant on the sea. Qin Tao, Nikolai and others came to the same place in the science and technology. Another base on the La Peninsula, where a large number of surface ships are parked.

At its peak, the tonnage of Mao's floating fleet had reached more than half that of the United States. After the collapse of the Red Empire, the strength of the navy weakened rapidly, and a large number of warships had to be retired. The fleet of the glorious Red Empire has become the now broken fleet. Tattered, rusty scrap metal.

Looking at the forest of warship masts in the port, Qin Tao's heart was filled with emotion again. When his eyes fixed on one of the warships, he couldn't help but ask: "Is that the Kirov?"

 The first ship of Da Mao's most powerful nuclear-powered cruiser, the Kirov was parked quietly among a bunch of miscellaneous warships, looking so lonely.

"Yes, it is the Kirov, but now it is called the Admiral Ushakov. It had an accident in 1990. It went into the dock for repairs twice but was not repaired. There is no hope of repairs anymore. The nuclear reactor went out in 1992, and it was towed here," Uskimenko said.

The Kirov, which was in service in 1980, was once the pride of the old man. However, who would have thought that it would suffer from frequent malfunctions. During an accelerated voyage under non-combat conditions, the main reduction gearbox on the ship was damaged!

This has frustrated the Northern Fleet. This thing generally does not break down. Even if the warship is scrapped, the gearbox is still good. It would be a waste if this giant ship was scrapped directly because of this, so it still needs to be repaired.

Originally, the relevant departments suggested cutting off all the decks above the gear box and lifting the gear box out. However, the Navy disagreed and proposed cutting a section of the bottom structure at the bottom of the ship and taking the gear box out from below.

 Warships cannot just be scrapped. They must be repaired, cut off, and put into a dock.

So, after spending a huge price and occupying the precious dock for a long time, it was finally repaired and let’s conduct sea experiments. As a result, the gearbox was repaired, but the port side steam generating device leaked again in the primary circuit!

This is called misfortune never coming alone, and when the house leaks, it rains all night. Fortunately, the guys have experience, so they cut it from below, take it out and send it back for repair.

 After two major surgeries and a huge amount of money, the Kirov was finally repaired. The old ship was looking radiant and ready to go to the Mediterranean to perform combat duties. As a result, before one-third of the voyage was completed, the primary circuit of the starboard steam generating device leaked again!

 Now, I can’t afford to repair it!

Who can bear this blow? The Northern Fleet was also disgusted. After that, this warship has been waiting for its final fate. In 1992, the nuclear reactor shut down and was completely unable to move. However, it would take a long time to dismantle it, and Lao Maozi did not Just leave the money like this.

“Qin, are you interested in this warship?” Nicholas asked Qin Tao.

Qin Tao shook his head repeatedly: "No, no, if I take it back, I will definitely be scolded by the navy!"

The Kirov had frequent problems. On the one hand, it was due to the brutal operation of the sailors by Lao Maozi. On the other hand, it was also a design problem. There must be design flaws. Qin Tao didn't want to drag it back. What if it brought bad luck with it? ?

Even if it is replaced by a boiler, the nuclear reactor will have to be cut off when he goes back and Lao Maozi will deal with the scrapped nuclear reactor. Qin Tao does not want to cause trouble. Modifying those floating nuclear power plants does not require subsequent processing.

“If it’s Type 1164, it’s more or less the same, I guess you won’t agree,” Qin Tao said.

The Type 1164 is the Glorious class. There is already one in the country. If we get another one and modify it according to the same plan, then our two Glorious class ships and four Modern class ships will make the opponent wet their pants.

However, there are only three Glory-class ships!

"Of course not. The Type 1164 cruiser is the only large battleship we have left. Let's take a look at the Type 956." Uskimenko said: "There are several here, you can choose."

“This is the first ship, the Hyundai. It stopped maintenance after 1989 and has been waiting in the port.”

“Here is the second ship Despair. It was deregistered this year. However, as the second ship of the Type 956 destroyer, its condition is not very good.”

“The semi-finished product there is the Impeccable. It was originally going to be overhauled in 1993, but later there was no repair cost, so it has been kept there.”

“The Encourage was also deregistered this year. This ship is in good condition for the time being.”

 There are only a dozen modern-class destroyers in total. Now, most of the modern-class destroyers in the Northern Fleet are waiting for an unknown fate!

"Let's just take the Inspiration." Qin Tao said: "The modern class is too old, the name of Despair is not good, and the Impeccable is a semi-finished product, and the only one left is the Inspiration. If it is inconvenient to drag it back for repair, we will just dismantle it and sell it for scrap. Iron, in short, I will renovate two other offshore floating power stations for you guys, even if it means losing money, why are we good friends?"

Nicholas nodded: "Qin, you took over this kind of task just after I took office. I am very grateful to you for supporting our navy."

“It’s all as it should be.” Qin Tao said: “Is that the Gorshkov over there?”

In 1994, the aircraft carrier Gorshkov, whose boiler had exploded, was still docked there quietly, extremely lonely. Since Asan's Super Sun King had already landed in the Far East, the Gorshkov No one wants it anymore.

“Yes, we will start repairing it when we have sufficient funds in the future.” Uskimenko said.

Other than the Kuznetsov, there is the Gorshkov in front of me. This warship is the fourth ship of the Kiev-class aircraft carrier. It was originally in the best condition. Who would have thought that it would also explode its boiler!

Once the boiler explodes, the lower deck will have to be cut open. This is definitely a big project. In Lao Maozi's current situation, it is simply impossible to repair it. Even if he raises funds for repairs, Lao Maozi does not have a suitable boiler. , the manufacturer that produced aircraft carrier boilers has gone bankrupt! When the Kuznetsov was overhauled in later generations, it was a real ordeal.

 Qin Tao was filled with emotion. However, he couldn't say anything else at this time. After all, it would be difficult to trick Da Mao into selling the aircraft-carrying cruiser. If he wanted to find another victim like Ah San, it seemed that there was no third one in the world. Two families.

“If you need help during maintenance, just let us know and our Mingzhou Group will try our best to help.”

Hearing Qin Tao's words, Nicholas nodded: "Yes, if this kind of ship needs to be repaired, our strength is not enough and we need your support!"

From now on, these things will be a headache for Nicholas. For the development of the navy, they can of course sell some of the navy's belongings, but the things that support the facade must still be kept.

"A floating dock is needed to repair this kind of ship. When you plan to repair this ship, you can order a floating dock from us." Qin Tao said: "With a floating dock, we can better repair the aircraft carrier. You old-fashioned Floating docks should be eliminated.”

 In order to repair an aircraft carrier, a floating dock was specially ordered?

 Everyone present was a little embarrassed. President Qin had a very good relationship with their leader Nicholas, and they all knew it. However, they still couldn't agree to such a deceptive request!

“Okay, everything is over, let’s go have a drink.” Qin Tao said.

Putting aside these heavy topics, Qin Tao knew clearly in his heart that the glory that belonged to Mao had passed, and the glory that belonged to the motherland was slowly coming!

 Huating, the third design office of Mingzhou Group.

“Everyone, the next step is up to you!” Krasnopolski said to the people in front of him: “We have just received the design task of a floating nuclear power plant at sea. The design fee is one million. Are you interested?”

one million! Pozharski and others' eyes immediately lit up, but later they hesitated: "We have never designed a floating nuclear power plant at sea!"

 They want to make money, but they have to see if they have the ability! They are engaged in nuclear submarines, not floating nuclear power plants. Besides, this kind of thing has only appeared in theory. In reality, it has not been built yet.

“But you are familiar with the Type 949 nuclear submarine. You probably don’t know that our group has completed negotiations with Moscow and will convert the salvaged Type 949 nuclear submarine into a floating nuclear power plant at sea.”

"What?" Pozharsky was stunned, but later he became excited again: "If that's the case, we can still accept this task. We need to modify the entire nuclear power module and install power generation at the back. Just use the machine! This is really a great idea, who came up with it?”

“Of course Mr. Qin, now that you understand, let’s start working! By the way, for your project, we have specially applied for several Loongson computers, and you can use those computers for design.”

 “Okay, we promise to complete the task!”

“By the way, are you familiar with the Type 941 nuclear submarine?”

“Type 941 is also a product of our Ruby Design Bureau. We have come into contact with it before. What’s wrong?”

“As long as you have been in contact with it, wait until Type 949 is modified, and then type 941 will be modified.”

“How is that possible? That is an advanced ballistic missile nuclear submarine! Wouldn’t it be a waste if it were converted into a floating power station?”

"It would be a waste not to change it." Krasnopolski said: "Those nuclear submarines that were retired early and whose nuclear reactors still have service life should be changed to better utilize the waste heat. We will make changes in the future. If there are too many nuclear submarines, maybe a special design office will be set up, so you can just work hard! By the way, for the generator, you can ask Golden Sun Motor Company to provide support."

 Several people started a new job in this way, making a splash in the field of offshore floating nuclear power plants.

Mao decided to cut off the second half of the nuclear submarine inventory and use it as a floating nuclear power plant. After the news spread, it also caused an uproar in the world.

 What is Da Mao going to do? Can their decommissioned nuclear submarines still be used as floating nuclear power plants? Will this cause a new ecological disaster? Some environmental groups have begun to raise the banner of opposition again. At the same time, some countries with energy shortages have begun to consider the feasibility of this project.

If the nuclear power plant is built on the sea, many problems can be avoided. There is no need to start construction on land, and there will be no locals driving tractors to block the road and oppose the project. If an accident occurs, it can be towed away directly. There are no inhabited sea areas, and, most importantly, just use sea water to cool down. It will not cause tragedies like Chernobyl. This is simply their best energy alternative!

On this day, Moscow welcomed a special group of people. Nicholas, who had just taken office, cordially received these people.

“Mr. Nikolai, we heard that you are developing a floating nuclear power plant at sea. Do you have any intention to export this nuclear power plant?”

Looking at the Hansi people in front of him, Nicholas felt extremely excited. Qin was right. Some countries with energy shortages are still very interested in this kind of nuclear power plant! Before Qin left, he had already analyzed potential buyers and shared some of his ideas. Now these predictions have come true.

"Of course." Nikolai nodded: "Currently, we are planning to build a nuclear power plant with a thermal power of 380,000 kilowatts. Since it is modified from a second-hand nuclear submarine reactor, the price of this nuclear power plant is cheap and only costs 500 million US dollars. That’s it.”

If a nuclear power plant is built on land, it will cost at least tens of billions of dollars. For a floating nuclear power plant on the sea, there is no need to consider the cost of land, relocation costs, comfort costs for nearby residents, etc. The cost is very cheap. In addition, using second-hand nuclear submarines to modify them, the price is very cheap.

 For the Hans people, the price of 500 million US dollars is definitely a bargain price!

“The cost of US$500 million is indeed not high, but we want to know how long this floating nuclear power plant can be used?”

"There is at least a life of more than ten years. After ten years, if you still plan to continue to use it, just drag this nuclear power plant back and replace the fuel." Nikola said: "If you want to order , then please hurry up. After all, there are not many nuclear power plants of this level. The products that will be launched later should be 190,000 kilowatts. You should also know that our retired Type 941, which is what you call the Typhoon-class nuclear submarine, is not not much."

“Is this kind of floating nuclear power plant renovated from decommissioned nuclear submarines safe?” The other party was very concerned about this issue.

"Safety is relative. Any energy source is dangerous. Shouldn't we use it because of the danger? Of course, we will try our best to ensure safety. For example, the nuclear power plants we provide will be as far away from the land as possible, dozens of kilometers or even Hundreds of kilometers of cables have long been a mature technology. If you think there will still be trouble, we have another solution."

 “What plan?”

"Because it is modified using a nuclear submarine, this nuclear power plant also has the function of diving. If you want to be more concealed, we can also turn this floating nuclear power plant into a submarine nuclear power plant that can dive to a depth of tens of meters. down, and then transmit the energy to the land through submarine cables, so those **** environmentalists don’t know anything at all!”

This is also the ultimate solution provided by Qin Tao to Nikola.

 Why will customers give up using nuclear power plants? Of course, it is because of the obstruction of environmentalists, especially the Hansi people.

They are both in Europe and neighboring countries. Seventy percent of France's domestic electricity comes from nuclear power. The amount of carbon dioxide emitted per kilowatt hour of electricity produced in France is far lower than the European average.

 However, the Hans are extremely opposed. They seem to have forgotten that the world's first nuclear reactor was born on their land.

 In 1968, they began to boycott the newly built Vergasin nuclear power plant, and the final result was that the reactor stopped operating.

Environmentalists were excited and found new goals. In 1975, when the Weir Nuclear Power Plant was being built, they achieved another milestone. Tens of thousands of people gathered and established the world's first anti-nuclear camp on a construction site. A month later, the construction was stopped by a court ruling. The project was ultimately abandoned after two years.

The environmentalists were extremely happy and beat gongs and drums to celebrate this victory. Decades later, when they had to hide in a cold room shivering because they could not afford the high natural gas bills, and had to use cold water to make noodles, no Know what they would think.

 When the energy crisis occurs, only France is not afraid because everyone uses nuclear power.

Now, Qin Tao proposed an ultimate solution to Nikolai: In order to avoid the entanglement of environmentalists, directly sink the nuclear power plant into the water and become a submersible nuclear power plant. Anyway, the predecessor was a nuclear submarine, and it only sank a few dozen meters. Under water, there is no big problem at all.

 In this way, no one will know where the electricity coming from the submarine cable comes from!

At this time, when Nikolai talked about this plan, the eyes of the Hans opposite him lit up: "Really? Can it also be made into a submarine nuclear power plant? If it can be operated like this, that would be great!"

 Nicola knew that the Hans people were really interested in this plan, so they could increase the budget!

“It’s just that if it is built as an undersea nuclear power plant, the price will increase to one billion. You should also know that underwater will be more complicated and require more support facilities.”

“One billion is worth it. We can order one first! If it runs normally in the future, we will order more underwater nuclear power plants!”

After seeing off the Hans, Nicholas happily called Qin Tao.

“Qin, your idea is great. We already have our first customer! They are willing to spend one billion to purchase an underwater nuclear power plant from us!”

"Really? Congratulations to you," Qin Tao said.

"Qin, now revise the plan and change the second half of the two planned Type 941 nuclear submarines into submersible nuclear power plants!" Nikolai said.

 “This is no problem, it’s just...”

"Don't worry, Qin, I won't treat my old friend badly. In addition to the Inspiration, how about giving you an additional 100 million in modification costs?"

Qin Tao smiled: "Then we still follow the previous rules?"

It goes without saying that a lot of money will flow into Nikola’s account from the 100 million modification fee.

“Qin, how did you come up with the idea of ​​converting a submersible nuclear power plant? This is an idea that no one has ever thought of!”

“Well, of course it was inspired by submarines.” Qin Tao said with a smile.

 Actually, Qin Tao’s idea of ​​a floating nuclear power plant was of course inspired by another world.

In that world, floating nuclear power plants began to become a trend, which also made the French nuclear submarine manufacturer, that is, the French state-owned shipbuilding company, shine: Floating nuclear power plants are too simple, just remove the weapons on the nuclear submarine. !

As a result, they proposed a "Flexblue" floating nuclear power plant design concept and jointly developed it with major French nuclear power companies such as Areva and EDF.

　　When the French were designing, they also made a cool operation, which not only floats, but also dives!

 Why do you want to dive? You know, after diving, the personnel rotation is too complicated! A nuclear power plant cannot be unattended. There must be a few people watching over it!

Someone soon speculated that this French design was of course tailor-made for the neighbors!

They even sketched out a scenario: in the future, the Hans announced to completely abandon nuclear power, but there are a lot of floating nuclear power plants lurking on the seabed along their coast, quietly providing electricity to their country.

Now, Qin Tao is also inspired by this. In addition, it is a modified nuclear submarine anyway, so it can be easily made into a submersible type. Moreover, in this way, he still needs to ask for the design drawings of the second half of the Typhoon class. !

With Nikolai as his backer, these are easy to achieve. The billion-dollar order is also Nikolai's first political achievement after taking office. Who dares to be unconvinced?

 “Qin, you are so awesome!”

“Nicholas, my friend, no need to praise me anymore, are you off work? Shall we go have a drink?”

Nicholas smiled bitterly: "No, I have to report this project to my superiors."

 Being in Moscow is no easier than in the Far East! Nicholas had just arrived, so he had to be careful about everything.

“Mr. Qin, we just received news that an LNG ship we just delivered had an accident!” Just as the two ended their conversation, Xu Zhengyang came up and whispered in Qin Tao’s ear.

 (End of this chapter)