Predictive assessment of radiation doses to the population in the potential areas for locating the kazakhstan NPP according to data on standard emissions from various reactor types

Background

The project of the Kazakhstan NPP planned for construction in the Zhambyl district of the Almaty region assumes environmental safety in accordance with the concept for transition of the Republic of Kazakhstan to a “green” economy. Therefore, the impact of this nuclear fuel cycle facility on the environment and the population should be thoroughly analyzed.

Aim

To assess the exposure doses to population from radionuclides potential to release into the environment during the normal operation of the planned Kazakhstan NPP.

Materials and methods

The initial data of the study include characteristics of radioactive emissions and discharges from supposed VVER-1200, APR-1400, and HPR-1000 reactor plants. Calculations were performed using the CROM software (LABI, Kingdom of Spain) and additional modules for assessing the radiation dose from tritium (³ H) and ¹⁴ C. The models of the study are parameterized taking into account regional data.

Results and discussion

The total radiation doses from radionuclides of NPP origin for various age groups of the population were calculated; the contributions of individual radionuclides and exposure routes were assessed. The highest dose was recorded for the HPR-1000 reactor; while for the VVER-1200 and APR-1400, this value is 3–4 times less. Children aged 1–2 years will receive the maximum dose of radiation from NPP radionuclides. In all cases, the predominant contributors to the radiation dose of the population for all types of reactors are ¹⁴ C, inert radioactive gases (mainly ⁸⁸ Kr), and ³ H. The total dose is formed primarily through food consumption: the contribution of this route is 60, 61, and 89 % for VVER-1200, APR-1400, and HPR-1000 NPPs, respectively. Despite differences in reactor types and levels of radiation exposure among age groups, the total dose in all cases falls within established limits.

Conclusion

The performed study proved the normal operation of the Kazakhstan NPP planned for construction in the Zhambyl district of the Almaty region posing no hazard to public health and complying with established radiation safety standards regardless the type of used reactors: VVER-1200, APR-1400, or HPR-1000. Calculations based on emergency scenarios will be presented in the next publication.