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ASSESSMENT OF SITING STUDY FOR SMALL MODULAR REACTOR (SMR)

PENILAIAN KAJIAN PENYIASATAN TAPAK UNTUK SMALL MODULAR REACTOR (SMR)

Kamarudin Samuding, Mohd Muzamil Mohd Hashim, Mohamad Syahiran Mustafa, Nazran Harun, Abdul Rahman Norazumin, and Hasnulhadi Kamaruddin

Malaysian Nuclear Agency

Abstract

Assessment of siting study for Small Modular Reactor (SMR) involves pre-screening of various data information from the Geographical Information System (GIS) and digital map of main parameter as well as the data of exclusion parameter. The main purpose of this study is to obtain an early stage information in identifying the potential site for SMR. The information needed and considered in this study include lithology, groundwater potential, fault, slope angle, elevation, flood risk, landuse, peak ground acceleration, coastal buffer, electrical national grid and population density. Besides that, the information of the exclusion parameters included airports facilities, parks and sanctuary, timber plantation, forest reserve and Eastern Security Zone (ESSZONE) area also need to take into account in this study. The descriptions of suitable and preferred characteristics of each parameter have been elaborated based on the international and national requirement for SMR siting. All the parameters that are obtained have been used in spatial analysis model in order to determine and identify the most potential site for placing the SMR.

Keywords: Small Modular Reactor, siting, GIS, main parameter, exclusion parameter

Abstrak

Penilaian kajian penyiasatan tapak untuk Small Modular Reactor (SMR) melibatkan pra-penyaringan pelbagai maklumat daripada Sistem Maklumat Geografi (GIS) dan peta digital parameter utama dan parameter pengecualian. Tujuan utama kajian ini adalah untuk mendapatkan maklumat peringkat awal dalam mengenal pasti tapak yang berpotensi untuk SMR. Maklumat yang diperlukan dan dipertimbangkan dalam kajian ini adalah termasuk jenis batuan, potensi air tanah, sesar, sudut cerun, ketinggian, risiko banjir, guna tanah, peak ground acceleration, penampan pantai, grid nasional dan kepadatan penduduk. Di samping itu, maklumat mengenai parameter pengecualian adalah termasuk kemudahan lapangan terbang, perlindungan hidupan liar dan taman negara, pembalakan, hutan simpan dan kawasan Zon Keselamatan Pantai Timur Sabah (ESSZONE) juga perlu diambil kira dalam kajian ini. Perihal ciri-ciri pemilihan dan kesuaian setiap parameter untuk penyiasatan tapak SMR dihuraikan berdasarkan keperluan negara dan antarabangsa. Semua parameter yang diperolehi telah digunakan dalam model analisis spatial untuk menentukan dan mengenal pasti tapak yang paling berpotensi untuk menempatkan SMR.

Kata Kunci: Small Modular Reactor, penyiasatan tapak, GIS, parameter utama, parameter pengecualian

INTRODUCTION

Small modular reactors (SMR) are part of a new generation of nuclear power plant designs, being developed in several countries. Small reactors are defined by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as those with an electricity output of less than 300 MWe (IAEA, 2016). Modular reactors are manufactured at a plant and brought to the site fully constructed. They allow for less on-site construction that leads to shorter construction period, increased containment efficiency, and heightened nuclear materials security. With such improvements compared to existing large reactors, may take advantage of the advancement especially for the replacement of small retired coal and gas power plants. Hence, the preliminary siting study needs to be carried out in order to identify the potential site for the SMR reactor.

This paper discussed the initial phase for screening approach the various data supply sites from the GIS and digital map of interest; the methodology employed, including the descriptions of suitable and preferred characteristics of each parameter; and initial results for the Sabah State. The purpose of this study is to establish a methodology for screening

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suitable areas for Small Modular Reactor (SMR) using remote sensing and GIS technologies as well as to develop a comprehensive database on suitable areas in Sabah for locating SMR. Generally, in searching for the appropriate location to build an SMR type reactor, numerous parameters must be taken into account. These include lithology, groundwater potential, fault, slope angle, elevation, flood risk, landuse, peak ground acceleration, coastal buffer, electrical national grid and population.

Study site

The State of Sabah is located in the east coast region of Malaysia and the northern part of Island. Sabah is divided into five (5) divisions; Interior, , , and West Coast as shown in Figure 1. Generally, the western part of Sabah is mountainous where the highest mountain in Malaysia is located, that is . is the most prominent range in Sabah and adjacent to the Crocker Range is the Trusmadi Range where the second highest mountain in the country is located. There are several lower ranges hills extended towards the western coasts, southern plains and the interior of the central part of Sabah. These mountains and hills are traversed by an extensive network of river valleys and are in most cases covered with dense rainforest. The central and eastern parts of Sabah are generally consisting of lower mountain ranges and plains with occasional hills. River begins from the western ranges and its way down to the east coast out into the Sea. Over three-quarters of the human population inhabit the coastal plains. Major towns and urban center sprouted along the coasts of Sabah. The interior region remains sparsely populated with only villages and the occasional small towns.

Figure 1: Map of Sabah

METHODOLOGY

The information needed to evaluate potential sites at this initial stage of site selection is obtainable from published reports, public and private agencies, remote sensing and geographical information system (GIS) technologies.

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Regional analysis and simple screening approach are used to evaluate and identify suitable areas for SMR reactor in Sabah based on certain guideline and criteria from the IAEA and also other agency. There are several parameters considered in the analysis, soil type, groundwater potential, lithology, lineament, slope, elevation, soil erosion, flood risk, landslide and landuse. From this preliminary study, a few sites will be identified as the potential location for SMR reactor. Besides that, the information of the exclusion parameters included airports facilities, parks and sanctuary, timber plantation, forest reserve and Esszone area also need to take into account in this study. GIS software, ArcGIS 10.2.1 was used as the basic analysis tools for spatial management and data manipulation.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Assessment Main Parameters

Figure 2 shows the maps of the main parameters and the assessment of each main parameter is elaborated as follow;

Lithology

Rock unit in Sabah has been classified into two (2) groups; Rijang Group and Kinabatangan Group. Rijang Group consists of Chert-Spilite Formation, Trusmadi Formation, Crocker Formation and Kulapis Formation while Kinabatangan Group consists of Labang Formation, Kuamut Formation, Tanjong Formation, Formation, Kapilit Formation and Simengaris Formation (Collenette, 1958). The acid intrusive granitic rock is dominant in center and southwest part of Sabah while the sandstone is covered more than 80% part of Sabah. The alluvium which is located along the shoreline consists of sandy clay and silt. Rock distribution in Sabah has been well-explained in Sanudin & Baba Musta (2007). The granitic (acid intrusive rock) and schist are highly preferred than other rocks for the SMR siting because generally, they are very hard and strong compared to other rocks. Therefore, the rocks are highly resistive to weather's changed, erosion and chemical reaction. Limestone and recent sediment on the other hand, are not preferable due to their porosity and not stable for the SMR foundation.

Groundwater potential

Based on the hydrogeological map of Sabah, groundwater yield is divided into four classes consists of very high (> 20m3/h), high (> 10 m3/h - ≤ 20m3/h), medium (>5.0 m3/h - ≤10m3/h) and low potential yield (0 - ≤5.0 m3/h) (Department of Minerals and Geoscience, 2008). As groundwater has direct influence to radionuclide migration, low potential groundwater yield should be given priority than the higher potential groundwater. The low yields of groundwater are limited in the western part of the and some areas in the eastern part of , where there are no signs of groundwater potential.

Fault

Fault density studies are usually performed prior to planning, environmental impact analysis, civil or structural engineering design to ensure the facility to be developed is safe and has no potential for an accident in the future. Fault and other geological structures need to be avoided due to the possibility of triggering landslide if an earthquake occurs in which the higher the lineament density the higher the risk of landslide. The area with fewer lineaments is more preferable compared to the densest area. For safety and security development of SMR, a surface faulting parameter should include a minimum buffer 2.5 km from the fault line (Christopher H. Scholz, 2002). Figure 4 shows the output of the fault weightage map.

Slope angle

A nuclear facility such as SMR shall not be built on a steep slope because such an area is prone to landslide. On the other hand, flat areas may accumulate surface run-off. For Malaysian environment, the most suitable slope inclination recommended by the Public Works Department (PWD) is between 5 to 15 degrees. Referring to the Guidelines of Development Planning on Hills and Highlands proposed by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government in 2009, the guidelines are divided into 4 classes and 4 levels of height. Classes are divided as in Table 1.

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Table 1: Classification of Slope

Slope Classification Gradients of Natural Slope Elevation Class I <15° <150m Class II 15° - 25° 150m – 300m Class III 25° - 35° 300m – 1000m Class IV >35° >1000m

Elevation

In order to ensure that the SMR will not be flooded, the best area to be selected is about 50 to 300 m elevation above the mean sea level (MSL). The area higher than 300 m elevation is considered not practical as this area naturally covered by forest and bad road access. Based on the elevation map of Sabah, the most possible elevation areas are located and the southern part of the interior division.

Flood risk

The site for SMR should be located in the non-flooding area and have good surface drainage features. Accumulation of water in upstream drainage areas due to precipitation, failure of water control structures, channel obstruction or land sliding should be evaluated and minimized so as to decrease the amount of runoff which could erode or inundate the facility. Preference should be given to areas or sites with topographical and hydrological features which preclude the potential for flooding. Landuse

Croplands are more focused on the Sandakan and Tawau divisions where the oil palm estates are common. Besides that, the oil palm estate is quite common in too. Built up areas are the urban/township areas such as City, Town, Kudat Town, Sandakan Town and Tawau Town. Sandakan division is the home to most of the wetlands in Sabah. Most of the paddy fields in Sabah are located in the lowland area in the west coast and Kudat division. The factor land use is primarily of local character but may extend to the regional level. There are six (6) classes identified throughout the study area which consists of cropland and forest are most preferred for SMR potential area, while and water bodies were the least (AELB, 2011). Generally, land use will also determine the population density, which can indirectly determine suitability as well.

Peak Ground accelerations

The Atomic Energy Licensing of Malaysia has produced a guideline called (AELB, 2011) on the 22 Mac 2011, for a new proposed nuclear power plant. Based on the clause 2.33 of the guideline, (Potential Ground Motion), identification of an area in regional scale is necessary to show that the peak ground accelerations (PGA) stay below 0.10g at a probability of exceedance (POE) of 2% in 50 years. The minimum peak ground acceleration the south-western part of Sabah preferred the potential site for SMR.

Coastal area

The coastal area offered the advantages specific to water supply and component transport, concern over possible land costs and impacts to tourism prompted an expansion of the siting study to include potential inland sites for the SMR. A coastal line is started from the to the Tawau is more than 2000 km length. Availability of an adequate supply of cooling water is a primary consideration in locating the SMR. Thus, a potential SMR site must be located within a 30 km boundary from large water body to satisfy the requirement for cooling water. Despite the unavailability of any guidelines pertaining to the maximum distance of an SMR from the large water body, a 30 km (Poore W.P et al. 2013) distance is generally considered to be acceptable due to the pumping and channeling of water requirement in case of emergency.

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Population Density

The fact that there are residential developments within an area will not necessarily rule it out as a potential site for an SMR. High-density area will generally be avoided, but medium density areas can be suitable in certain circumstances. However, in determining the acceptability of a particular site located away from a very densely populated center but not an area of low density, consideration will be given to safety, environmental aspects, economic or other factors, which may result in the site being found acceptable (AELB, 2011). Generally, the population of Sabah is concentrated in urban areas such as Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau is more than 500 persons/km2. The moderate demand for energy will be in medium density concentrated into the Interior, South-west Coast and Kudat division less than 500 people/km2 (Department of Statistic Malaysia, Sabah, 2015).

National Electrical Grid

One of the principal economic requirement for the development of an SMR is the need for good access to the existing electricity transmission infrastructure. Siting an SMR close to areas of demand reduces the need for long-distance power transfers that in turn reduce losses from the electricity grid, improving the efficiency of the network and reducing supply costs. Sufficient transmission capacity would be needed to export generation for the SMR to electricity consumers connected to the grid. So, for SMR area selection purpose, the most preferable based on distances to the nearest transmission grid with appropriate capacity. The Sabah grid is made up of 66kV, 132kV and 275kV which link up all the major towns in Sabah.

Assessment Exclusion Parameters

Figure 3 shows the maps of the exclusion parameters and the assessment of each exclusion parameter is elaborated as follow;

Airport Facilities

The airports in Sabah are divided into three categories which are International airports located at Kota Kinabalu, Domestic Airports located at Sandakan, Tawau, and , and Short Take Off Landing Port (STOLport) located at Kudat (Ministry of Transport Malaysia, 2017). This safe condition is achieved by establishing a series of obstacles limitation surfaces that define the limits to which objects may project into the airspace. Even if a potential SMR site can comply with the distance to runway limitation requirement (16km from the runway) as it could be subjected to the other restriction and approval by the Department of Civil Aviation Malaysia (DCA)( AELB, 2011).

ESSZONE

ESSZONE is headed by Sabah Chief Minister and assisted by a chief executive officer who will be a member of the public and be responsible for coordinating and safeguarding the functions and activities of the security forces and government departments and agencies in implementing all initiatives in ESSZONE. ESSZONE covers 10 of the east coast of Sabah namely, Kudat, , Pitas, BCS, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, , and Tawau covered by 1733.7 Km from Kudat to Tawau. (Esscom Times). By setting up the ESSZONE committee, the government is adopting a holistic approach and not purely a military approach to protect eastern Sabah and find a solution to the intrusion issue. For SMR potential area should be excluded from the ESSZONE area as a security reason, public order and prosperity in eastern Sabah.

Forest Reserve, Parks And Sanctuary And Timber Plantation

As for the initial step in SMR site selection using this parameter all the protected areas, particularly those areas gazetted within the definition of Convention on Biological Diversity and International Union for the Conservative of Nature are excluded. Examples of protected areas important for consideration at this stage include, but not limited to all National and State Parks, Wildlife and River Sanctuaries, Nature Reserves and Marine Parks and Timber Plantation (AELB, 2011)

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CONCLUSION

Based on the assessment of prescreening stage, there are several parameters has been collected in assessing the potential site for SMR in Sabah. All the information that is obtained will be used in weighted analysis and spatial analysis in order to identify the most potential site for SMR.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would like to express our gratitude to the Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change (MESTECC) for financial support. We are also would like to thank to the top management for their encouragement during the implementation of this project as well as the staffs of Nuclear Malaysia for their contribution direct or indirectly involved in this project

REFERENCES

Atomic Energy Licensing Board, (2011), Guideline For Site Selection For Nuclear Power Plant. LEM/TEK/63 Christopher H.S. 2002. The mechanics earthquakes and faulting 2nd Edition. The University of Cambridge. United Kingdom. ISBN 0521652235.

Collenette, P. (1958), The geology and mineral resources of the Jesselton - Kinabalu area, . Geological Survey Department, British Territories in Borneo, Memoir 6.

Mineral & Geoscience Department Malaysia Sabah,( 2008), Hydrogeological Map of Sabah and Island, Second Edition

Esszone Map of Sabah https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Sabah_Security_Zone#/media/File:ESSZONE_Map.png

Esscome Times. Esszone dan Esscome. https://esscom.gov.my/?page_id=139.

International Atomic Energy Agency, (2016), Advances in Small Modular Reactor Technology Development. A Supplement to: IAEA Advanced Reactors Information System (ARIS)

Jabatan Perancangan Bandar dan Desa Semenanjung Malaysia, (2009), Garis Panduan Perancangan Pembangunan Di Kawasan Bukit Dan Tanah Tinggi. 978-983-2773-98-6

Ministry of Transport Malaysia. Location of Airports in Malaysia. http://www.mot.gov.my/en/aviation/airports/list- of-airports

Poore W.P., Belles R.J., Mays G.T. & Omitaomu O. A., (2013), Evaluation Of Suitability Of Selected Set Of Department Of Defense Military Bases And Department Of Energy Facilities For Siting A Small Modular Reactor. ORNL/TM-2013/118

Sanudin Haji Tahir & Baba Musta. (2007), Pengenalan kepada Stratigrafi. Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu.

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Figure 2: Maps of main parameters for assessment of siting study for SMR

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Figure 3: Maps of exclusion zone parameters for assessment of siting study for SMR

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