Engineers at Hinkley Point C to begin work on fish tunnel system
The project marks the latest milestone in fish protection measures at the power station
Engineers at Hinkley Point C nuclear power station are preparing to start tunnelling the second of three fish protection measures at the site.
The fish return system will be constructed to a length of 620 metres and a diameter of 1.8 metres.
Local schoolchildren have named the tunnel boring machine after Sarah Guppy, a pioneering 19th-century woman engineer.
Once completed, Hinkley Point C will feature more fish protection systems than any other power station worldwide.
The announcement coincides with the government's response to the Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce Report, which explores how to streamline regulation for the development of new nuclear projects.
EDF chairman Sir Alex Chisholm commented on the report saying, "The current volatility in global fossil fuel markets underlines the benefit of homegrown nuclear electricity to Britain. Its reputation for safe operation and construction must be underpinned by effective regulation. We welcome the opportunity to help make sure regulation is timely, predictable and proportionate."
Sir Alex Chisholm also addressed environmental concerns, stating, "On the environment, there is no need to choose between protecting nature and the delivery of essential national infrastructure, both can be achieved. The current approach can end up delivering small benefits to local wildlife at a large cost to the country. The taskforce is right to ask if there is a better way."
Hinkley Point C currently employs other fish protection systems, including specially designed intake heads to slow water speeds entering cooling tunnels and a new type of acoustic fish deterrent to keep fish at bay.