Trends and insights in nuclear power plant siting: a multi-criteria decision-making approach

Abstract Energy research is evolving to address human needs, environmental protection, and corporate responsibility. Nuclear power plants (NPPs) present a viable energy solution, but their siting remains a significant challenge. This study aims to investigate trends and insights in NPP siting using multi-criteria approach. Scopus served as the primary database, enabling the collection of research data from 1968 to 2024, encompassing 464 articles. Data analysis and visualization were performed using VOSViewer, spreadsheet applications, and the RStudio package. The findings reveal significant growth in publications and citations, with Nuclear Engineering and Design emerging as the leading journal, contributing 15 publications. The United States leads in research output with 94 publications, while Indonesia ranks ninth with 13 publications. Keyword network analysis identified four primary clusters: nuclear reactor safety and design, NPP site selection and environmental impacts, seismic risk in nuclear site evaluation, and radioactive waste management. Emerging research trends include the integration of geographic information systems (GIS) and multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM), particularly after 2016. Thematic mapping reveals NPP site selection and accident prevention as central themes, with GIS and MCDM, particularly the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), standing out as key areas for future research. This analysis highlights opportunities for international collaboration and identifies methodological gaps in NPP site selection.