Cost Advantages of Large Underground Nuclear Parks

Underground nuclear power plant parks have been projected to be economically feasible compared to above ground installations. This paper is a conceptual analysis of the cost savings, compared to surface facilities, which result from reduced costs in the aspects of construction, transportation of materials, security, and decommissioning. The paper also explores the cost burdens associated with underground nuclear power plant parks. Overall, the cost savings are projected to far outweigh the cost burdens if design and regulatory issues are reasonably managed. The cost savings for electricity generated over a 60 year life of a typical 1000 MWe nuclear power plant are projected to be 0.23 to 0.66 cents (2008 U.S. currency) per kWh.