That EDF has completely lost control of the costs and timetable of its new nuke at Hinkley Point on the Somerset coast, is now clear to all. So the French firm is looking to cut every corner it can find – and billions of fish may be in the firing line.
In 2021, EDF was formally told it must fit an acoustic fish deterrent [ADF] system to the massive seawater intakes of the cooling system. It was considered necessary to “protect the marine life of the Severn Estuary catchment area and its nine great rivers: Parrett, Avon, Severn, Wye, Usk, Ebbw, Rhymney, Taff, Ely and their tributaries, where many fish species go to breed”. Without the AFD it is estimated that 22 billion fish would be ingested over the planned 60-year life of the plant, of which half would be killed in the process.
EDF appealed against this but in 2022 the then environment secretary, George Eustice, refused the appeal in definitive terms: “The decision of this appeal is final [and] can only be challenged in the courts by judicial review.”
Final? EDF, which has been running rings around the government and bullying ministers since it bought the British nuclear fleet in 2008, simply went regulator-shopping on the basis that energy ministers are more likely to be sympathetic. And so it proves: the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has been reduced to role of consultee on the “final final” decision which will now be taken elsewhere – with no judicial review required.
When the Eye asked it to explain this humiliating climbdown, Defra offered a feeble reply: “We’re now applying the principles of better regulation and consider …. that the most appropriate place to regulate controls on the intakes is in the Development Consent Order regime.” That sounds a lot like “we’ve been told to get out of the way”. This climbdown strongly suggests EDF will continue round the houses until it gets the answer it wants.
Perhaps Labour leader Keir Starmer could boldy tell EDF he’ll reverse any backsliding on AFD’s if and when he comes into power? Don’t hold your breath: Labour’s energy policy critically depends on Hinkley and its would-be twin at Sizewell (another AFD candidate) coming into service before 2030. However implausible that is, he won’t be doing anything to stand in the way.
Hinkley C’s consultation on removal of the AFD and other alterations to the Development Consent Order ends 29 February 2024. https://stophinkley.org/nuclear-new-build/hinkley-point-c-have-announced-their-consultation-process-on-their-second-attempt-to-remove-fish-protection-measures/