Scientists have found that an underwater acoustic deterrent system, informally dubbed a 'fish disco', could prevent up to 90% of fish from being sucked into the cooling pipes of the Hinkley Point C nuclear reactor. The system, costing £700m, is part of a broader plan to protect marine life at the Somerset site.
EDF Energy, the developer, commissioned research from Swansea University which showed that the acoustic deterrent, using over 300 underwater speakers, repelled the vast majority of tagged fish. The study found that only one tagged twaite shad came within 30 metres of the intake pipes when the speakers were active, compared with 14 without the system.
The full solution, costing 1.5% of the £46bn project, includes special pipe mouths to slow water suction and a fish recovery system. EDF says this will save about 44 tonnes of fish annually, equivalent to the catch of a small fishing vessel, and provide 'more fish protection than any other power station in the world'.
Good news for salmon: research showed that migrating Atlantic salmon use the main channel of the River Severn, well away from the intakes. In two years, only two tagged salmon were detected within 1km of the pipes.
Chris Fayers, head of environment at Hinkley Point C, said the system's effectiveness means the plant may not need to create 900 acres of salt marsh as environmental compensation. The results will be submitted for regulatory approval later this year.
