Underground nuclear power plant siting

Abstract

This paper summarizes the results of investigations to define the design concepts and estimate cost penalties associated with the burial of large light-water reactor nuclear power plants in underground rock cavities. Several cavities are proposed to contain the major components of the power plant without requiring excessive spans. The cost penalty of the underground plant is estimated to be less than 10% above a similar surface plant in favorable geologic media. Preliminary analyses also indicate a potential improvement in containment of radioactive materials following a postulated accident.