Site evaluation for nuclear power plants – The practices

Abstract

Selection of appropriate site and robust site evaluation have significant impact on the design, construction and operation of nuclear power plant (NPP) in meeting the nuclear safety requirements following the concept of Defense-in-Depth (DID). The site evaluation is a continuing process over the life cycle activities of an NPP including its site selection. The objective of site evaluation is that the site-plant interaction does not cause radiation exposure to the public and environment beyond a threshold value during both normal operation and accident situations. The site evaluation is a multi-task process consisting of site characterization, derivation of design basis of external natural and human induced events and examination of implementation of emergency management planning. Radiological impact assessment and environmental (non-radiological) impact assessment are part of investigations of the suitability of site. The subject is challenging as site evaluation is not confined to technical activities only; it needs administrative and social input. All these lead to different countries having different practices in defining site and its external zones, and for site evaluation activities at different stages of life cycle, management system, and regulatory interfaces. Effort is made in this paper to outline the state-of-the-practice of site evaluation for nuclear power plants. The site evaluation processes of three countries USA, France and India are reviewed and summarized. The summary is then integrated with the requirements and guidance on this subject given in IAEA safety standard (IAEA, 2016) and insights gained from the NEA/CNRA document (NEA/CNRA, 2010). Experience gained from recent accidents/incidents of nuclear power plant is also studied and suitably incorporated in this review work.