SITE SELECTION FOR NEW NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

The methodology appropriate for selecting the most advantageous site(s) for nuclear power plant (NPP) development is based on the latest evolution of protocols originally established in the 1990’s by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and others for programs in the USA, which were modified for use in the mid 2000’s for Gen III projects. Currently, the methodology includes protocols that account for lessons learned from both the Gen III projects and the catastrophic event at Fukushima, Japan. In general, the approach requires consideration of exclusionary or “fatal flaw” criteria first; those which impact safety. Sites selected must meet all of these exclusionary criteria to be considered for NPP development. Next, avoidance criteria are applied to the remaining sites to characterize them according to several factors, which allow a ranking to be performed identifying sites or areas best suited for NPP development.

A preliminary evaluation of published literature and topical technical documents will be conducted to exhibit geomorphological aspects, detailed topographic maps, hydrologic characteristics, pedological characteristics of the weathering mantle, cursory examination of shore regions, susceptible to flooding, potentially affecting the site and groundwater regimes that may influence plant siting and construction. Previous literature search focused on regional and local scale surveying and maps, demonstrating the geologic features, such as regional and local litho-stratigraphic column, shear, fracture and fissure zones exhibited in the surface geologic maps must be regarded. Geological evolution of the region, information of temporal seismic potentially hazard zones and technical aspects of hydrology/hydrogeological behavior, specifically considering supply of cooling water are inescapable items. Additionally, demographic distribution, types of edifications and patterns of environmentally sensitive areas involving historical/archeological areas and meteorological data are also under consideration may result in a site unlikely to be acceptable for NPPs. The results will be summarized on a regional map. Specific examples will be demonstrated showing pros-and cons aspects and comparisons will be made in order to discuss the site selection for a NPP.