**MH-1A**
**Definition:**
The MH-1A was the first floating nuclear power plant, a mobile nuclear power station mounted on a barge, designed to provide electricity to remote locations.
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## MH-1A
The MH-1A was a pioneering floating nuclear power plant developed by the United States in the late 1950s and early 1960s. It was built on a converted Liberty ship barge and equipped with a pressurized water reactor to generate electricity. The primary purpose of the MH-1A was to supply power to areas lacking access to conventional electrical grids, particularly in remote or isolated regions.
### Design and Specifications
The MH-1A utilized a pressurized water reactor with a thermal output of approximately 35 megawatts, producing around 10 megawatts of electrical power. The reactor was housed within a containment structure on the barge, which was designed to be towed to various locations as needed. The floating design allowed for flexibility in deployment and reduced the need for extensive onshore infrastructure.
### Operational History
Commissioned in 1967, the MH-1A was stationed at the Panama Canal Zone, where it provided electricity to the Canal Zone’s facilities for nearly a decade. Its operation demonstrated the feasibility of mobile nuclear power plants and contributed valuable data on reactor performance in maritime environments. The MH-1A was decommissioned in the late 1970s and remains a significant milestone in the development of nuclear power technology.
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**Meta Description:**
The MH-1A was the first floating nuclear power plant, designed to provide electricity to remote locations. It operated from the 1960s to the 1970s, demonstrating mobile nuclear power capabilities.