East coast states earmarked for nuclear site
Putrajaya has identified Pahang, Johor and Terengganu as the possible states for a proposed nuclear power plant due to availability of remote locations that are close to water sources, in line with international rules.
Written by Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani. The Malaysian Insider
KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 — Putrajaya has identified Pahang, Johor and Terengganu as the possible states for a proposed nuclear power plant due to availability of remote locations that are close to water sources, in line with international rules.
However, it is understood the plans remain on paper and have yet to be submitted to the Cabinet, sources said.
Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin recently announced a proposal to set up a nuclear plant has been approved and that the plant would start operating from 2021, with plans to use it as an alternative energy source by 2025.
“It has to be a remote area with water sources… Pahang, Johor and Terengganu fit the bill,” a source said, noting that Chin did not identify any areas in his announcement last week.
Chin’s disclosure came as a shock to many with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak later asking for public feedback on his http://www.1malaysia.com.my weblog.
“Nuclear is arguably efficient and cost effective. The question is this: Is it the right one? Before embarking on such an important decision, we must conduct a comprehensive study on it.
“As such the Government is undertaking feasibility studies on nuclear energy use for electricity generation. I am eager to understand better and to know the findings. If we press ahead with nuclear, 12 to 15 years could elapse before energy is produced using small reactors,” Najib wrote in his weblog.
Reactions were mixed in comments to the weblog, with many pointing out other green energy source such as solar power.
The International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) guidelines for nuclear installations reveal that consideration of population density and distribution in the site’s vicinity was important to avoid potential exposure from radioactive releases due to natural origin or human-induced accidents.
It also recommended that the installation must be built near “available flow of water” for the long-term heat removal of the nuclear plant.
A nuclear plant typically needs an efficient cooling system. Most plant designs include the visually familiar cooling towers — which look like giant chimneys — and some use sea-water to cool down the water used in the steam turbine.
An essential part of a plant are its nuclear safety systems which ensure that it’s possible to shut the reactor down, keep it deactivated and prevent release of radioactive material during emergency events.
