Atmospheric dispersion modeling and radiological environmental impact assessment for the potential recommissioning of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, Philippines
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: To meet rising energy demands and reduce fossil fuel dependence, the Philippines aims to integrate nuclear energy in the energy mix by 2032, including the possible revival of the inactive Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP), a 621-MWe Westinghouse Pressurized Water Reactor. This work presents an updated radiological and environmental impact assessment (REIA) of estimated atmospheric radionuclide releases during normal operation using recent local meteorological data. The Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model was used to simulate long-range transport and deposition for the 2023 wet and dry seasons. Meteorological data from Cubi Point Weather Station in Zambales confirmed dominant northeast winds from November to April and southwest winds from May to October, consistent with GDAS1 data. Annual effective dose from cloudshine, groundshine, and inhalation pathways was estimated at 1.93 x 10 -5 mSv/yr for a critical residence 1.5 km to the northeast direction from the plant. This value is far below the ICRP 103 recommended public dose limit of 1 mSv/yr and lower than the previous Gaussian plume estimates. Major contributors were 3 H (HTO) and 133 Xe, accounting for approximately 50% and 30% of the total dose, respectively. The study highlights the applicability of HYSPLIT for REIA studies at prospective nuclear power plant sites.
Language: English
Subfield: Pollution
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $200
Award: G5356885674
OpenAlex ID: W7212364737