Hinkley Point C nuclear power station has announced plans to create more than 800 acres of saltmarsh on the River Parrett.
Construction of the power plant in Somerset began in 2016. It was originally estimated the project would cost £18bn to build. The proposed saltmarsh at Pawlett Hams near Bridgwater would create new habitat for fish and animals, improve local water quality and help prevent flooding, according to bosses.
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This is one of a number of proposed measures to help wildlife and the environment around the Severn estate. Others include planting seagrass and kelp, developing oyster beds and removing weirs on three rivers to help migrating fish to reach their breeding grounds.
Natural England, Natural Resources Wales and the Environment Agency have been involved in the planning of installing an acoustic fish deterrent to keep some fish species away from the power station's cooling water system.
This is the latest plan to come from the power station in Somerset, which in December 2023 announced a milestone in building work, as its first reactor building was lifted into place.
Creating saltmarsh would protect biodiversity in the area by providing breeding grounds and provide food and shelter for birds and animals. Tidal marsh also filters and cleans water, prevents floods and locks away carbon in one of our most effective weapons in the fight against climate change.
Hinkley Point C is the first power station in the area to have any fish protection measures in place. And in August 2023, the Heart of the South West LEP found found the power plant is having a positive impact on local communities, businesses and the economy. Productivity in Bridgwater, the town closest to the project, is growing faster than anywhere else in the region, according the report, as it sits above the national average.
Chris Fayers, head of environment at Hinkley Point C, said: “The new wetland would be a fantastic place for wildlife and a beautiful place to visit. Using natural and proven ways to improve the environment is better than creating sixty years of noise pollution with a system that is untested far offshore in the fast-flowing waters of the Severn.
“Hinkley Point C is one of Britain’s biggest acts in the fight against climate change and its operation will provide significant benefits for the environment”
The proposals for habitat creation and other changes to Hinkley Point C’s design, such as alterations to the way the power station will store spent fuel, will be included in a public consultation launching on January 9.
