Russia to launch floating nuclear reactor in Arctic despite warnings

Russia launched the world's first floating nuclear reactor, sending it on an epic journey across the Arctic on Friday, despite environmentalists warning of a "Chernobyl on ice."

Loaded with nuclear fuel, the Akademik Lomonosov left the Arctic port of Murmansk to begin its 5,000 kilometre (3,000-mile) voyage to Pevek in northeastern Siberia.

Nuclear agency Rosatom says the reactor is a simpler alternative to building a conventional plant on ground that is frozen all year round, and it intends to sell such reactors abroad.