Some comments on the concept of ‘underground siting of nuclear power plants’ — A critical review of the recently elaborated numerous studies

Abstract

This paper concerns the comprehensive problems of underground nuclear power plants (UNPP) with regard to increased safety considerations. This constructional concept is not new, but has not yet been realized, for commercial facilities it is again a matter for discussion. Recently numerous studies (especially in the USA and the Federal Republic of Germany) have been elaborated and they come to considerably different conclusions — already concerning partial subdivisions. It is the aim of this contribution to critically analyse these studies, especially with regard to the principal question of different basis design criteria, constructional concepts and impacts as well as problems of licensibility and operation. Due to the size of these analyses and first of all due to the lack of in situ experiences it seems too early to give at this time period final (pro or con) recommendations concerning the undergrounding of nuclear facilities.