Nuclear power plant site selection by Weighted Linear Combination in GIS environment, Edirne, Turkey

Abstract The main objective of this study is to develop an approach to reveal suitable areas using geographical information systems (GIS) via spatial analysis based on screening criteria in Edirne, Turkey. Turkey is one of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries with the fastest growth in energy demand. Including nuclear energy as a source of energy is extremely important for Turkey to meet this growing electricity demand and reduce the risks that result from dependency on imported fuels. In addition, nuclear energy is introduced as “national energy” to boost political motivation and public support against dependency on imported natural gas. A nuclear power plant with four pressurized water reactors (PWR) with 1000MWe capacity was suggested in the study. Nuclear power plants require a special safety regime, unlike other power generation plants and industrial sites. Safety approach begins with analytical work for site selection and evaluation. Criteria based on this approach should be evaluated not only in the construction, operation, and decommissioning stage, but also during the site selection process. Proximity to capable faults, seismicity, availability of cooling water, population, flooding, topography, environmental sensitivity, proximity to national borders, electrical grid, transportation opportunities and hazardous facilities were chosen as screening criteria. Whole province was evaluated with screening criteria in GIS and five candidate sites were proposed. Weighted Linear Combination method was applied to support the decision making process. The study revealed that there are some suitable locations for developing a nuclear power plant project in the southern coast of Edirne and some areas in Ergene riverside.