Integration of multiple decision-making methods with GIS for nuclear power plants siting in Bangka Belitung, Indonesia

Nuclear power plant (NPP) siting is often a topic of debate among decision-makers when a country decides to build such facilities. Research on NPP site selection frequently focuses on single methodologies that may not provide a comprehensive perspective on the issue’s complexity. Since NPP site selection involves considering different criteria from various factors, this study offers the integration of various Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The MCDM methods used in this study are the Best-Worst Method (BWM), Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), and Grey Relational Analysis (GRA). This study uses nine criteria based on the IAEA standards to determine the suitable NPP site in Bangka Belitung Province, Indonesia. The process begins with the BWM method, which determines the weight of each identified criterion. The candidate sites are evaluated using a weighted GIS overlay to identify the most suitable sites. The DEA method is then used to measure the efficiency of these shortlisted sites. The rankings of the sites are then evaluated using TOPSIS, and the results are compared with the GRA to validate consistency. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is performed to assess the responsiveness of the results to variations in the weights and criteria, ensuring the robustness of the final recommendations. The results show that only about 1.78% of the province’s area is most suitable for NPPs, with Mentawak in East Belitung being identified as the most promising site. The validity of the results was confirmed by sensitivity analysis, which showed stable valuations. The integration of multiple methods of decision-making with GIS provides a new perspective and broadens the understanding of the dynamics of influential criteria in NPP siting.