GIS-based multi-criteria analysis for nuclear power plant site selection in West Kalimantan

Nuclear power is set as the highest priority to slow global warming, so the construction of a nuclear power plant (NPP) using nuclear reactors as a source of heat energy is initiated to produce pollution-free electricity. Bengkayang and Mempawah Regencies in West Kalimantan provinces are selected as prospective NPP locations based on the exclusion and discretionary criteria. The exclusion criteria consist of the geological structure, types of bedrock, the existence and sufficiency of the cooling water, proximity to the population center, and terrain shape. Meanwhile, the discretionary criterion is proximity to the road network. This study aims to map and analyze the exclusion and discretionary criteria for potential NPP. The multi-criteria analysis in this study includes screening analysis, regional suitability analysis, and descriptive spatial analysis. It is performed using the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technique on spatial data information. The screening process produced six potential locations to be used as NPP. Five locations are in Bengkayang Regency, precisely in Sungai Raya Kepulauan District and Sungai Raya District. Another location is in Mempawah Regency, precisely in Sungai Kunyit District.