Reforming EPZ framework for new nuclear reactors (SMR): an open-source and climate-aware approach

The research develops a weather-sensitive method for determining Emergency Planning Zones which applies to Small Modular Reactors and Pressurized Water Reactors while adapting to geographical conditions. The analysis examined severe accident such as Long- term Station Blackout (LSTBO), focused on how climate change increases risks related to things like flooding and severe snowfall. This study evaluates fixed-radius EPZ models because it conducts radiological dispersion simulations with RASCAL v4.3.4 to determine Total Effective Dose Equivalent (TEDE) and Thyroid Committed Dose Equivalent (CDE) outcomes across different seasons (summer, winter, monsoon) as well as analyzing year- long Meteoblue meteorological data. Python code was used to extract, analyze and visualize how dispersion changes each month following seasonal effect for EPZ evaluation. SMR-type nuclear reactors consistently deliver offsite doses that are lower than LPWRs according to research findings which confirm safety is maintained with smaller Emergency Planning Zone boundaries. SMR EPZ boundaries with radii smaller than 2 to 5 km become possible when using EPA and CNSC TEDE distribution thresholds. The findings indicate that small modular reactors (SMR) that adopt reformed emergency planning areas show greater flexibility and acceptance, thus can be implemented both in urban environments and remote locations with comparatively less societal upheaval to communities residing nearby. The research leads to the creation of a publicly accessible updated spatial framework for EPZs which improves both regulatory adaptability and public trust in new nuclear power systems.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Applied Science (MASc)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Nuclear Engineering

Grantor

University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Mahal, Jannat

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Tokuhiro, Akira

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10155/2012

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ontariotechu.scholaris.ca:10155/2012