£700m plan with ‘fish disco’ could save 90% of marine life, says Hinkley Point C study

EDF Energy, which is building the Hinkley Point C nuclear plant, is expected to spend about £700m on the fish protection measures. Photograph: Reuters

Scientists have found that plans that include a “fish disco” to deter migratory marine life from the nearby Hinkley Point C nuclear reactor could help save 90% of fish from the power plant’s water intake pipes – but the measures are set to cost its developer £700m.

EDF Energy, which is building the Hinkley Point C nuclear plant in Somerset, said research it commissioned from scientists at Swansea University had found that using an acoustic deterrent system helped to ward off the “vast majority” of fish it tagged for the experiment.