Following the approval of Hinkley Point C’s Development Consent Order in 2013 and the start of construction in 2016 they have continued to develop their project and are now proposing to apply for consent to make a number of further changes to the original plans – helping to implement current best practice and make the operational station more efficient.
From today until the 29th February, they will be seeking your views on a number of proposed changes through a public consultation that will allow them to shape their application before it is submitted in early 2025.
The consultation will cover a range of different changes and includes alterations to Hinkley Point C’s;
ACOUSTIC FISH DETERRENT
The removal of the requirement to install an Acoustic Fish Deterrent system associated with the power station’s cooling water system.
They will also be seeking your views on plans to create over 300 hectares of new habitat. The plans include proposals for large areas of new saltmarsh but also includes the planting of seagrass and kelp, developing native oyster beds and removing weirs on three rivers to help migrating fish to reach their breeding grounds.
INTERIM SPENT FUEL STORE
A change from a ‘wet’ interim spent fuel store to a ‘dry’ interim spent fuel store and associated increase in the building’s size.
EQUIPMENT STORAGE BUILDING
Replacement of the previously proposed access control building for the interim spent fuel store with a larger new equipment storage building.
METEOROLOGICAL MAST
The redesign, relocation and lowering of the meteorological mast and removal of supporting meteorological station that is no longer required.
RETENTION OF ELECTRICAL SUBSTATION
The retention of the existing temporary electrical substation as a permanent feature in order to supply electricity to neighbouring Hinkley Point A and Hinkey Point B power stations during their decommissioning.
SLUICE GATE STORAGE STRUCTURES
The addition of four new structures to house sluice gates and lifting beams in the area close to the power station’s cooling water forebays.
More information, including detailed proposals for all the changes is available online – www.edfenergy.com/hpc-dco
Taking Part in the Consultation
There will also be a series of public events, both in person and online throughout the consultation period. Please join any of these to explore the plans further, ask questions and share your views that will be used to shape their application.
Face to face Events
Thursday 11 January 2024 – 3pm – 7pm
Victory Hall, 32 Tower Hill, Stogursey, TA5 1PL
Thursday 18 January 2024 – 12pm – 5pm
Cannington Court, Church Street, Cannington, TA5 2HA
Monday 22 January 2024 – 11am – 3pm
The Green at Wembdon, Homberg Way, Wembdon, Somerset, TA6 7BY
Tuesday 30 January 2024 – 4pm-8pm
Pawlett Village Hall, Old Main Road, Pawlett, Somerset TA6 4RY
Virtual Events
Tuesday 16 January 2024 – 12pm – 2pm
Wednesday 24 January 2024 – 6pm – 8pm
Thursday 1 February 2024 – 10am – 12pm
Full details of the events and access to a virtual exhibition is available at www.edfenergy.com/hpc-dco