Home / Environment / Fish Disco Saves Nuclear Power Plant's Fish
Fish Disco Saves Nuclear Power Plant's Fish
10 Feb
Summary
- An ultrasound system deters fish from nuclear cooling pipes.
- A £50m 'fish disco' could prevent flooding farmland for habitats.
- Testing shows a significant reduction in fish near intake pipes.
Engineers at Hinkley Point C, located in Somerset, have successfully trialed a £50 million ultrasound system designed to prevent fish from entering the power station's cooling pipes. The underwater acoustic deterrent, nicknamed the 'fish disco,' has been tested for six months in the Severn Estuary by Swansea University.
Results indicate the system is highly effective, dramatically reducing the number of fish, including protected species like the twaite shad, approaching the water intakes. This success means project leaders are now considering abandoning plans to flood 900 acres of farmland in Gloucestershire. This land was initially designated to create compensating habitats for fish casualties.
The system, developed by Fishtek Marine, utilizes ultrasonic speakers to create a sound barrier, avoiding the need for divers to maintain the equipment. Its success could lead to the technology being adopted by other power stations globally.
However, questions have been raised about the overall cost-effectiveness of Hinkley Point C's extensive fish protection measures, which could total £700 million. Despite these concerns, the 'fish disco' offers a promising solution to protect marine life while potentially saving valuable farmland.
