Nuclear power plants are critical facilities that generate electricity through nuclear fission, where the nucleus of an atom splits into smaller parts, releasing a significant amount of energy. These plants are a major source of low-carbon electricity, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They consist of several key components, including the reactor core, where fission occurs, and cooling systems to manage the heat produced. To efficiently dissipate this heat, nuclear power plants are often located next to large bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, or oceans, which provide a continuous supply of cooling water. This cooling process is essential for maintaining safe operational temperatures and preventing overheating.
Despite their benefits, nuclear power plants face several challenges. The construction and maintenance of these plants are highly capital-intensive, requiring substantial investment and long lead times. Additionally, the management of radioactive waste poses significant environmental and safety concerns. The proximity to water bodies also raises environmental considerations, such as thermal pollution and the potential impact on aquatic ecosystems.
In the context of the game, nuclear power plants are not connected to the energy simulation. Players can only view the data related to these plants, as this is not an editable layer.
Not applicable. This layer is not yet available in the MSP Challenge North Sea Edition.
Not applicable. This layer is not yet available in the MSP Challenge Baltic Sea Edition.
Not applicable. This layer is not yet available in the MSP Challenge Clyde Marine Region Edition.
Not applicable. This layer is not yet available in the MSP Challenge Adriatic Sea Edition.
EMODnet
"EMODnet_HA_Nuclear_Plants_20190329"
"The geodatabase on coastal Nuclear Power Plants was created in 2019 by Cogea for the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet). It is the result of the aggregation and harmonization of datasets provided by several EU and non-EU sources. It is available for viewing and download on the EMODnet Human Activities web portal (https://emodnet.ec.europa.eu/en/human-activities). The geodatabase contains points representing nuclear power plants sites in the following countries: Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Romania, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and UK. Where available each point has the following attributes: EMODnet Code, Plant Name, Country, Status (Operational, Permanently shut down, Planned, Under construction), Number of Reactors, Thermal Capacity (MW), Gross Capacity (MW), Net Capacity (MW), Location (Municipality), Water Source, Latitude, Longitude. Additional informations about reactors are stored in a separated table and are related to the point feature class. Where available for each reactor the following attributes are reported: EMODnet Code, Plant Name, Status (Operational, Permanently shut down, Planned, Under construction), Type, Model, Fuel Type, Thermal Capacity (MW), Gross Capacity (MW), Net Capacity (MW), Operator, Nuclear Steam Supply System (NSSS), Construction Year, Construction Month, Criticality Year, Criticality Month, Connection to the Grid Year, Connection to the Grid Month, Shut Down Year, Shut Down Month. The dataset will be updated every year."
Not applicable.
Co-funded by the European Union.