OPTIMAL SITE SELECTION FOR NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS IN NIGERIA USING GEOSPATIAL MULTI-CRITERIA-EVALUATION TECHNIQUES

Abstract

To ensure safety, environmental sustainability, and operational efficiency, nuclear power plants must be meticulously planned and evaluated before they can be constructed. This study aims to determine whether nuclear power plants are suitable for construction in Nigeria based on a geospatial Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) approach within a Geographic Information System (GIS). Nuclear power presents a practical alternative because of its significant efficiency and minimal greenhouse gas emissions.  To determine the most viable locations for nuclear power plants, the research combines a range of spatial datasets, including Digital Elevation Models (DEM), population density maps, drainage networks, transportation networks, and geological fault maps. A spatial data processing method is employed using ArcGIS 10.4.1, which includes; map overlay operations, buffer analysis, geoprocessing, and map algebra. The criteria evaluated in the study include; relief areas with elevations above 700m to avoid flooding, lower population density areas to minimize risks exposure, areas with 20km proximity to water bodies for cooling nuclear reactors, and 20km minimum distance from fault zones for seismic stability and safety. Resultsased on the identified criteria indicates several states (13)- Kaduna, Katsina, Plateau, Gombe, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Cross River, Zamfara, Ondo, Kano, Nassarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) - exhibit optimal conditions for the selection of nuclear power plant sites. The findings of this study are consistent with those of countries such as France, South Africa, and Canada, which use spatial evaluation techniques for site selection similar to those used in this study. Providing insights into the optimal site selection could contribute to energy security and Sustainable energy development in Nigeria.