What is the 'fish disco' project at Hinkley Point C?

The 'fish disco' is a £700m underwater acoustic system using over 300 speakers to emit sound pulses that deter fish from the nuclear plant's water intake pipes.

What is the purpose of the acoustic deterrent system?

The acoustic deterrent system aims to prevent fish from entering the water intake pipes used for cooling the Hinkley Point C nuclear reactors.

Home / Environment / 'Fish Disco' Sounds Billions to Save Marine Life

'Fish Disco' Sounds Billions to Save Marine Life

10 Feb

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Summary

A £700m acoustic system uses underwater speakers to deter fish.
The 'fish disco' is expected to save 44 tonnes of fish annually.
Research shows the system successfully repelled tagged fish.

'Fish Disco' Sounds Billions to Save Marine Life

A novel £700m underwater acoustic system, playfully dubbed a "fish disco," is poised to safeguard marine life around the Hinkley Point C nuclear facility. Developed by EDF Energy and researched by Swansea University, the project employs over 300 submerged speakers to emit deterrent sound pulses. These sounds are designed to prevent migratory fish from entering the nuclear plant's water intake pipes, which draw water from the River Severn for reactor cooling.

Initial research indicates the "fish disco" system is highly effective, with scientists observing a significant reduction in fish proximity to the intake pipes when the deterrent was active. The system is projected to save approximately 44 tonnes of fish annually, a substantial conservation effort for the power station's 25-year operational lifespan. This innovation forms a key part of the project's environmental strategy, potentially fulfilling planning obligations and ensuring reliable, low-carbon electricity generation for the nation.