Use of PSA level 2 and level 3 risk insights in the siting of nuclear power plants

Abstract

The siting of commercial nuclear power plants is a complex issue involving a large variety of social, economic, and technical factors. The resolution of these issues involves a number of governmental agencies, such as the nuclear regulatory authority, environmental agencies at different Central and State levels, and, perhaps, other government organizations in addition to the entity applying for a permit to construct and operate a nuclear power plant at the site. For the applicant or licensee, an adequate amount of land and other resources, such as water, along with necessary infrastructure for evacuation of the power generated have to be available, and the location has to meet appropriate seismic, geologic, and hydrologic criteria for a site to be considered viable. In addition, there may be unique social or cultural factors that impinge on site suitability.