Hinkley Point C and the Acoustic Fish Deterrent
Hinkley Point C is the first of a new generation of nuclear power stations in the UK. The plant is due to open in June 2027 and will cost in excess of £25bn.
It will account for 7% of the country’s electricity supply, providing power to around six million homes and offsetting nine million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.
All power plants require extensive cooling facilities and Hinkley Point C will cool its turbines by drawing water from the Severn Estuary, the UK’s largest estuary and designated special area of conservation.
Plans for that cooling system include the installation of an acoustic fish deterrent (AFD), which will guide fish away from the plant’s water intakes to protect them from harm.
Working In Collaboration
In September 2022, an appeal to remove the AFD from the plant by EDF was rejected by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. This is the last recourse for EDF with the exception of a judicial review.
In their report, which can be found here, they stated:
“The Secretary of State considers that the migratory species have been declining, are considered in a poor state and that even low-level impacts on a population at risk can be significant. He also considers that the marine stocks are in a poor or vulnerable state and that impacts of the scale indicated by the… [removal of the AFD] would have a potential material effect on these stocks.”
What can an Acoustic Fish Deterrent (AFD) achieve?
As the AFD forms part of the Development Consent Order for the site and the Government and a Public Enquiry have both stated that it will play an essential role in protecting marine life and must be installed. Without it, environmental organisations believe as many as 500,000 fish could be sucked into the intake each day.
An effective screening system comprises of a fish return system with an AFD as it accounts for a wide range of factors, including:
- Differences in hearing sensitivities of the fish that are at risk
- Differences in handling sensitivities of the fish drawn into the intake
- The ability to operate and monitor the system remotely
- The potential for fish stocks to change over the lifespan of the plant
- A safe maintenance process that protects divers and other operatives
Hinkley Point C and the Severn Estuary
FGS has been developing sound-based behavioural fish protection systems for more than 25 years.
These are backed by scientific research and multiple trials to assess effectiveness and environmental impact. The type proposed for Hinkley Point C uses a Sound Projector Array, a system of underwater speakers which produce a repellent sound gradient to block intakes.
Species such as Atlantic salmon and twaite shad, which are abundant in the Severn Estuary and of high conservation importance, have responded particularly well to existing AFDs.
Our Latest Acoustic Fish Deterrent News
Environment Agency Hinkley Point C Consultations Closes With Campaigners Furious At Continued Need Fight Over Environmental Protections.
As the Environment Agency’s Consultation on EDF’s latest attempt to remove the AFD mandated by best practice and expert option closes, they have have faced strong criticism for allowing EDF to continue their campaign to remove environmental protections at Hinkley Point C, a nuclear power plant being built by French
Fish Guidance Systems Seeking Clarity on Continued Permit Appeals at Hinkley Point C after Secretary of States’ Intervention
Fish Guidance Systems are disappointed to hear of proposed changes to permit conditions at Hinkley Point C nuclear power station. After participating in the public inquiry in 2022 and having received a letter from the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy stating the matter is closed, we
Somerset MP and Government Minister Launches Environmental Improvement Plan whilst Environment Agency consults on Removing Environmental Protections
The UK Government announced this week the launch of the Environmental Improvement Plan, whilst at the same time the Environment Agency is launching a consultation to allow EDF to further pollute the Severn Estuary with fish unnecessarily killed by the removal of innovative environmental protections. Rebecca Pow, the MP for
Experts say a government mandated system is the only option after DEFRA appeal dismissed at Hinkley Point C nuclear plant.
After the Government dismissed their appeal to remove it, experts have warned that EDF must now install the Acoustic Fish Deterrent at Hinkley Point C, and that no other option should be considered. Dr David Lambert and Dr Andy Turnpenny have cautioned that pursuing the little known IROPI (Imperative Reasons