Geographical Considerations for Site Selection of Small Modular Reactors in Saskatchewan

Abstract

Saskatchewan is one of Canada's highest emitters of greenhouse gases, largely due to burning fossil fuels to generate electricity. It is also the world's second largest producer of uranium. Small Modular Reactors (SMR) are the next generation of electrical power, producing less than 300 megawatts (MW) and featuring a basic design that offers enhanced safety benefits on health and the environment. Selecting proper sites for a SMR is vital for its long-term efficiency. The focus of this research is to establish a process of geographical considerations for site selections of SMRs in Saskatchewan. Study areas were subjected to a multi-criteria decision analysis based on specific criteria selected from different Canadian federal regulation documents. Criteria weights were assigned using Analytical Hierarchy Process methods, with results of two different types of criteria weights applied for demonstration purposes. Three distinct cases of criteria fuzzy standardization were conducted to assign the spatial suitable values of all the criteria. Spatial decision-making models were implemented in a geographic information system to identify candidate sites. Geographical maps show the suitable sites for SMRs, ranging from very suitable to unsuitable.