A comparative radiological assessment of VVER-1200 and APR-1400 reactors in the context of planning of the Kazakhstan NPP

«Radiation and Risk», 2026, vol. 35, No. 1, pp.94-102

DOI: 10.21870/0131-3878-2026-35-1-94-102

Authors

Spiridonov S.I. – Chief Researcher, D. Sc., Biol., Prof. Contacts: 1, Kievskoe shosse, Obninsk, Kaluga region, Russia, 249035; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Mikailova R.A. – Researcher. NRC "Kurchatov Institute".
Mukusheva M.K. – Director. Astana Branch, RSE "National Nuclear Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan".
¹ NRC “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow
² RSE "National Nuclear Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan" of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kurchatov, Republic of Kazakhstan

Abstract

Based on radioactive release data for accident scenarios involving VVER-1200 and APR-1400 reactors, the dynamics of public radiation doses in the area of the planned Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plant have been calculated. The calculations employed the internationally recognized RODOS decision support system, which integrates environmental transport and dosimetric models to predict dose loads via all exposure pathways. A conservative assessment was performed of population ra-diation impact indices and the areas requiring protective actions according to the dose criteria estab-lished in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The results demonstrate that the consequences for the public under all APR-1400 accident scenarios are significantly more severe compared to those for the VVER-1200 reactor. The findings of this comparative assessment can be regarded as a «radio-ecological argument» supporting the selection of the Russian VVER-1200 design for the Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plant.

Key words
Kazakhstan NPP, VVER-1200 and APR-1400 reactors, emergency scenarios, RODOS system, public radiation doses, dose criteria, radiation impact indices, protective actions, environmental health, public health, radiobiology.

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