A GIS-based site investigation for nuclear power plants (NPPs) in Nigeria

Abstract

The Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) has identified some sites for possible constructions of nuclear power plants in Nigeria. This paper addresses the conduct of a Geographic Information System (GIS) based suitability assessment of these sites for the proposed Nuclear Power Plant. Attempts to recommend sites for the nuclear power plants and other major constructions in Nigeria have been made in view of historical and recent occurrences both at regional and local level, with earthquake occurrences in Ghana (18th December, 1636 Ms = 5.7; 1862 ML~ 6.5 and Ms ≥ 6.5; 11th February, 1907 and 22nd of June, 1939 Ms~ 6.5 and mb~ 6.4), Guinea 22nd December, 1983 with (MW~ 6.3) coupled with recent activities of volcanic eruption of mount Cameroun (1986, 1999, 2000). The buried equatorial fault lines emanating from the seismically active zones of the Gulf of Guinea are in reactivation state. This study entails the use of GIS to integrate available administrative and comprehensive tectonic maps of Nigeria. Database for the recommended sites is in line with the guidelines and recommendations of the International Atomic Energy Agency. In this paper, recommended sites are those where seismic and other hazards are considered to be at the bearest minimum. Keywords: Nuclear power plants, Geographic information system, Earthquake, Volcanic eruption, Seismic, Active zones