Integrating Regional Water Considerations Into Nuclear Plant Design Available to Purchase

Steam powered electrical generation, and nuclear generation in particular, requires significant water resources. Water resources throughout the world, and in many geographic areas in the United States, are challenged to meet environmental needs and the requirements of a steadily growing population including uses for the production of essential societal needs (food, hygiene, electricity). In Florida, ecosystem restoration is also recognized as a priority and places additional claims on a limited resource. Siting of a new nuclear generation facility in South Florida poses a considerable challenge, but also offers a unique opportunity. Florida Power & Light Company is proposing a new two unit AP-1000 project in southern Miami-Dade County that has included regional water issues in the conceptual design process. The project has selected reclaimed wastewater as its primary cooling water supply and, through specifically engineered mitigation projects, seeks to support regional ecosystem restoration projects. Disposition of power plant waste streams will be conducted by deep well injection, the first application of this established method for an operating nuclear facility. This paper identifies the design challenges presented by these regional issues and how they have been addressed by the engineering team.