A streamlined approach for the seismic hazard assessment of a new nuclear power plant in the UK

This article presents a streamlined approach to seismic hazard assessment aimed at providing regulatory assurance, whilst acknowledging commercial and program constraints associated with the development of safety–critical facilities. The approach was developed based on international best practice and followed the spirit of the Senior Seismic Hazard Analysis Committee (SSHAC) Level 2 requirements, while incorporating the key features of the SSHAC Level 3 process aimed at achieving regulatory assurance, but with a more flexible implementation. It has also benefited from experience gained by others regarding the implementation of the SSHAC process in projects in the USA, Switzerland and South Africa. The approach has been successfully applied as part of the Safety Case for the new-build nuclear power plant at Hinkley Point, UK. The proposed approach can be considered as a cost-effective solution for the seismic hazard evaluation of safety-significant facilities where a high level of regulatory assurance is required