Environmental capability evaluation for nuclear power plant site selection: a case study of Sahar Khiz Region in Gilan Province, Iran

Abstract

Due to the increasing population and the growing need for providing energy from a clean and non-fossil resource, there is an increasing interest in nuclear energy all over the world. As a fact, environmental capability evaluation should be considered for establishment of new nuclear power plants, not only to increase the safety against environmental risks, but also to achieve sustainable development. This study focuses on environmental capability evaluation for the nuclear power plant site selection in the coastal area of Gilan Province (Sahar Khiz). Considering the natural potentials and limitations of the area, the existing laws and regulations set by the International Atomic Energy Agency, United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Department of Environment, ecological and socioeconomic criteria were the main object of this study. At first, the Boolean logic method was used to prepare layered maps and identify selected zones, using geographical information system (GIS) and the ''AND'' operator. Then, the fuzzy logic method based on weighted linear combination (WLC) was applied for site selection of the new nuclear power plant. Four main criteria (physical, biological, social and economic) and 15 sub-criteria have been chosen for site selection process, from all selected criteria and sub-criteria. After preparing the raster maps of the ecological and socioeconomic sub-criteria, the fuzzy logic was used to standardize data layers between zero and one. Then, a relative weight was assigned to each criterion using Expert Choice software and the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method. At the end, to combine all subcriteria, fuzzy logic method based on WLC was used in GIS environment, and the final map of environmental capability was prepared. The results of this study were compared to the results using the Boolean logic method, showing high coverage between the two methodologies, while the fuzzy logic method based on WLC combined with the AHP method had more flexibility and more accuracy comparing with the Boolean logic method.

A two‐stage decision framework for inland nuclear power plant site selection based on GIS and type‐2 fuzzy PROMETHEE II: Case study in China

“…And a conclusion was drawn that “access to shoreline” was the most important for nuclear power site selection. Abudeif et al and Barzehkar et al firstly applied Boolean logic to exclude the inappropriate areas, and then, the weighted linear combination (WLC) method was used to overlay each layer to present the priority of the potential nuclear power plant sites. Baskurt et al screened out rejected areas based on exclusionary criteria and identified potential areas in GIS.…”

“…Topographic condition directly affects not only the cost of INPP construction but also the safety of INPP . According to the requirements of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the National Security Agency of the United States, the area where the slope exceeds 12% or the slope exceeds 400 feet in the minimum area is the lightning protection zone for the nuclear power plant .…”

“…Conservation areas refer to special zones such as natural reserve, scenic spots and historical sites, and military zone, where nuclear power plants are not allowed . Different from the other six, this one is an exclusionary criterion.…”

“…The higher the degree is, the more suitable the candidate is. Population center distance (C25). INPPs need to be built far from population center . The farther the distance is, the more suitable the candidate is.…”

A Multi-Criteria Decision Support Framework for Inland Nuclear Power Plant Site Selection under Z-Information: A Case Study in Hunan Province of China

“…The site selection for inland NPPs is a complex issue that requires the comprehensive and careful analysis of numerous criteria. Many researches established indicator frameworks related to the NPP site selection from three dimensions: biological, physical, and socio-economic [24,[30][31][32]. Some studies mainly took the environmental compatibility, technical feasibility, security, and economic rationality into account for assessing site sustainability [5,7].…”