A study indicates that a proposed 'fish disco' system at Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant could prevent 90% of fish from being drawn into its water intake pipes, though it comes with a hefty £700 million price tag.
A recent study commissioned by EDF Energy has revealed that its proposed solution to protect migratory fish at the Hinkley Point C nuclear reactor could be highly effective, potentially saving 90% of the fish drawn into its water intake pipes. The plan involves the installation of an acoustic deterrent system, colloquially dubbed a 'fish disco', which will utilize over 300 underwater speakers to emit sound pulses aimed at warding off fish from the area where water is sucked in from the River Severn for cooling purposes. This innovative approach highlights a growing recognition of the ecological impacts associated with industrial water use.
The system's implementation is estimated to cost approximately £700 million, which represents about 1.5% of the total £46 billion budget for the Hinkley Point C project. EDF Energy has emphasized the importance of integrating ecological protection measures in large scale developments such as nuclear power, marking a shift towards more sustainable practices within the energy sector. The study, conducted by scientists at Swansea University, provides promising evidence that technological solutions can contribute significantly to conservation efforts, particularly in vital ecosystems where fish populations are already under threat.
Moreover, the initiative aligns with broader commitments to environmental stewardship and the protection of marine biodiversity, showcasing how large infrastructure projects can evolve to consider and mitigate their ecological footprints. This development could potentially set a precedent for future energy projects and reinforce the need for balancing energy production with environmental health.
