Implications of public acceptance assessments for site selections in the small modular reactors using system dynamics

Abstract

This study investigates the feasibility of siting a nuclear power plant (NPP) within a densely populated university campus. Site selection for NPPs is a complex process involving numerous interconnected factors. To address this complexity, we employ system dynamics (SD) modeling, a methodology renowned for its ability to quantify both technological and social aspects. Our simulation results indicate that public acceptance (PA) is a critical determinant in site selection. In the fourth month of the simulation, the model's values were identical in both PA and non-PA scenarios. However, subsequent simulations revealed a significant divergence, with PA-implicated values reaching 85.398 compared to 24.240 in the non-PA scenario. This disparity underscores the primacy of PA in the decision-making process. Given the extended timeline of NPP construction, the gap between PA and non-PA outcomes is likely to widen further, particularly in the context of positive public sentiment toward the NPP. The insights gleaned from this research can be applied to other industries, such as oil refineries, where the potential for atmospheric pollution due to toxic gas leaks necessitates careful site selection.