Hinkley Point C's £700m 'Fish Disco' Could Save 90% of Marine Life
Scientists have discovered that a £700m underwater acoustic system, informally known as a "fish disco," could prevent 90% of fish from being drawn into the water intake pipes at the Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant in Somerset. This innovative solution, commissioned by EDF Energy, is projected to save approximately 44 tonnes of fish each year, equivalent to the annual catch of a small fishing vessel.
How the Acoustic Deterrent System Works
The system employs more than 300 underwater speakers to emit sound pulses, effectively repelling migratory marine life from the intake pipes that will draw water from the River Severn to cool the reactors. Research from Swansea University indicates that when the speakers are activated, only one tagged twaite shad fish approached within 30 metres of the test pipes, compared to 14 without the system.
Dr David Clarke, a fisheries scientist at Swansea University, stated: "These early results are very encouraging with the system clearly working. Our results show that a large majority of the tagged shad avoid an area extending some 60 metres from the intake heads protected by the acoustic fish deterrent system."
Cost and Environmental Impact
EDF Energy expects to spend about £700m on the fish disco, which represents 1.5% of the total £46bn construction cost for Hinkley Point C, Britain's first new nuclear power plant in a generation. The company claims this will provide "more fish protection than any other power station in the world." Under its subsidy contract, EDF will absorb the extra cost rather than passing it on to household bills.
In addition to the acoustic deterrent, the system includes special mouths on the intake pipes to slow water suction, allowing fish to escape from as close as 2 metres away, and a recovery mechanism to return any fish that are sucked in.
Broader Implications and Future Steps
The research also brings positive news for salmon populations, as tagged salmon were rarely detected near the intake pipes, with only two within 1km over two years, since they typically use the main channel of the Severn. Chris Fayers, head of environment at Hinkley Point C, commented: "Because the system works even better than we had hoped, it means we can meet all of our planning obligations and should not need to create 900 acres of salt marsh as environmental compensation."
EDF had previously argued against the acoustic deterrent requirement, proposing salt marshes instead. The findings will be submitted to the Marine Management Organisation for regulatory approval later this year, potentially setting a new standard for marine conservation in the energy industry.
