The life of a nuclear power plant starts with the selection of the site. This study is necessary prior to the bidding process. The reference IAEA (2003a), Safety Standards Series, Site Evaluation for Nuclear Installations. Safety Requirements, NS-R-3, gives all details for proceeding to site evaluation:

‘The main objective in site evaluation for nuclear installations in terms of nuclear safety is to protect the public and the environment from the radiologi­cal consequences of radioactive releases due to accidents. Releases due to normal operation should also be considered. In the evaluation of the suitability of a site for a nuclear installation, the following aspects shall be considered:

(a) The effects of external events occurring in the region of the particular site (these events could be of natural origin or human induced). Site charac­teristics that may affect the safety of the nuclear installation shall be investigated and assessed. Characteristics of the natural environment in the region that may be affected by potential radiological impacts in opera­tional states and accident conditions shall be investigated. All these char­acteristics shall be observed and monitored throughout the lifetime of the installation.

(b) The characteristics of the site and its environment that could influence the transfer to persons and the environment of radioactive material that has been released.

(c) The population density and population distribution and other character­istics of the external zone in so far as they may affect the possibility of implementing emergency measures and the need to evaluate the risks to individuals and the population.’

If the site evaluation for the three aspects cited indicates that the site is unacceptable and the deficiencies cannot be compensated for by means of design features, measures for site protection or administrative procedures, the site shall be deemed unsuitable.

Proposed sites for nuclear installations shall be examined with regard to the frequency and severity of external natural and human-induced events and phenomena that could affect the safety of the installation. In addition to providing the technical basis for the safety analysis report to be submit­ted to the nuclear regulatory body, the technical information obtained for use in complying with these safety requirements will also be useful in fulfill­ing the requirements for the environmental impact assessment for radio­logical hazards. Site selection is discussed in more detail in Chapter 18 of the present book.

In addition, one should not forget to examine the electrical grid potential to receive the electricity production from the plant and make sure of its adequacy or plan the necessary modifications. This is discussed in more detail in reference IAEA (2007b), Milestones in the Development of a National Infrastructure for Nuclear Power, NG-G-3.1.