Hinkley Point C plan could save 90% of fish being sucked into pipes, study finds

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Jillian Ambrose Energy correspondentFebruary 10, 2026 at 07:00 AM

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A new study indicates that EDF Energy's plan to use an acoustic deterrent system, informally called a "fish disco," at the Hinkley Point C nuclear plant in Somerset could save 90% of fish from being sucked into the plant's water intake pipes. The system, involving over 300 underwater speakers emitting sound pulses, aims to repel fish from the River Severn, which will cool the reactors. EDF expects the system to cost £700 million, or 1.5% of the total project cost. The system is expected to save about 44 tonnes of fish a year. Research showed that the deterrent significantly reduced the number of tagged fish near the intake pipes, and that salmon generally migrate away from the plant's water intakes.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Atlantic 30% Somerset 40% Britain 40% Swansea University 50% River Severn ×370% EDF Energy ×480% Hinkley Point C ×690%

Keywords

hinkley point c 100% nuclear power plant 90% fish protection 80% acoustic deterrent system 80% fish disco 70% water intake pipes 70% edf energy 70% river severn 60% marine life 50%