Regulatory requirements for nuclear power plant site selection in Malaysia—a review

Abstract

Malaysia has initiated a range of pre-project activities in preparation for its planned nuclear power programme. Clearly one of the first steps is the selection of sites that are deemed suitable for the construction and operation of a nuclear power plant. Here we outline the Malaysian regulatory requirements for nuclear power plant site selection, emphasizing details of the selection procedures and site characteristics needed, with a clear focus on radiation safety and radiation protection in respect of the site surroundings. The Malaysia Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) site selection guidelines are in accord with those provided in International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and United Stated Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC) documents. To enhance the suitability criteria during selection, as well as to assist in the final decision making process, possible assessments using the site selection characteristics and information are proposed.

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

“…Basri et al comprehensively investigated the factors affecting nuclear power site selection, emphasizing the minimization of social and environmental impacts. Kassim et al established a two‐stage criteria system.…”

Perspective on Site Selection of Small Modular Reactors

“…Kutbi (1987) took seismology factors (i.e., position of conceivable epicenters, the depth of the seismic focus, the energy of the anticipated seismic incidents and their relationship with the active tectonics) as basic criteria of NPP siting in Saudi Arab and examined two potential siting areas (i.e., Jeddah region and Dhahram region). In addition to the factors mentioned above, other geographical and geological factors, such as distance from volcanism activate areas, access to available cooling water, characteristics of subsurface material, properties of subsurface strata, depth and type of bed rock, topography and slope, inland and coastal location, have also been evaluated (Rouhiainen, 1987;Yu et al, 2011;Bo et al, 2013;Abudeif et al, 2015;Basri et al, 2016;Wu et al, 2020). For example, enough water resources must be provided for the cooling systems of the NPP during both the operation period and shutdown (Wu et al, 2020).…”

“…The site evaluation of the NPPs should consider the distribution and characteristics of regional population density. Generally, NPP sites should be located away from densely populated centers for preventing any radioactive hazard to humans (Commission, 1975;Agency, 2002;Basri et al, 2016;Damoom et al, 2019;Wu et al, 2020). Considering this reason, NPP-site areas are divided into exclusion zone and low population zone (i.e., immediate neighborhood of the exclusion zone) (Turner, 2002;Damoom et al, 2019).…”

“…The tritium concentrations were measured in drainage systems at Tokaimura NPP in Japan by Miyamoto et al, (2002). Basri et al, (2016) investigated the dispersion and dilution capabilities and potential contamination pathways of the groundwater environment under operating and accident conditions with respect to present and future uses of water sources.…”

“…Due to the large amount of nuclear fuel and highly radioactive sources involved, the safety of NPPs is always a controversial and crucial issue (Basri et al, 2016). To improve the safety of NPPs, site location can be readily manipulated and is under the direct control of the safety authorities and the reactor operator (Openshaw, 1984).…”