Supporting the environment
Hinkley Point C’s reliable low-carbon electricity will help Britain achieve Net Zero and protect the environment from the threat of climate change.
How is Hinkley Point C supporting the environment?
Hinkley Point C is committed to protecting the local environment. Here are some of the measures we’ve put in place across the project.
Electricity demand could double by 2050 as we electrify our lives, and Britain has only gone a quarter of the way to building the energy infrastructure need to support such growth.
Hinkley Point C’s reliable low-carbon electricity will help Britain achieve Net Zero and protect the environment from the threat of climate change.
It is an essential part of a mix with wind and solar that will allow Britain to electrify its transport, homes and businesses without depending on fossil fuels. Without nuclear, Britain won’t kick the fossil fuel dependency.
All energy technologies create some carbon emissions in their operation and construction, but new studies confirm that Hinkley Point C’s impact is even smaller than wind and solar.
Find out more about how Hinkley Point C is being built sustainably in our new Net Zero Report.
Proposed change to fish protection measures
We have made an application to the Secretary of State for a “material change” to the Hinkley Point C Development Consent Order granted in 2013 to remove the requirement to install an acoustic fish deterrent at Hinkley Point C.
Managing Spent Fuel at Hinkley Point C
Radioactive waste and spent fuel is produced as a result of electricity generation in nuclear power stations and from the use of radioactive material in industry, defence, medicine and scientific research.
Dredging mud in the Bristol Channel
As part of the construction of Hinkley Point C, we need to dredge mud and sediment from the seabed off the Hinkley Point C site ahead of the drilling of six vertical shafts for the cooling water system. The cooling water system is a significant piece of infrastructure, which involves tunnelling more than 3km out into the Bristol Channel.
We will increase local biodiversity
That means leaving local nature in a better state than before.
Whether it’s creating new habitats for wildlife across our main and associated developments sites, funding projects which protect the environment or hiring passionate people who care.
65,000 trees and shrubs planted to date
£540,000 donated to environmentally focused projects through the HPC Community Fund
50 environment specialists across our sites
Switching to solar and hybrid tower lights is saving 500,000L of diesel from being burnt
98% of the steel reinforcement used is recycled
Delivering on our commitments
Land
As part of our commitment to leave a positive legacy for the area we have completed an early restoration of the land at the southern edge of the construction site for local people to enjoy.
Sitting near the village of Shurton, the landscaped area features a series of footpaths, winding through tens of thousands of newly planted trees and shrubs. Having originally been agricultural land it’s been converted into an area which will be far richer in biodiversity.
The space has intentionally been designed and landscaped to increase biodiversity, attracting a wide range of wildlife. Ponds are one of the new habitats, with sheltered spaces, like bug hotels, also built for insects and small animals. Another design feature is the planting of a wide variety of native shrubs and trees, giving wildlife plenty to feed on in what is a sustainable habitat.
Whilst you can already spot deer, hare and a variety of birds in the area, in the coming years we look forward to seeing the land develop, watch the trees grow and see a greater range of butterflies, birds and amphibians visiting.
Find out more in the video below and see the “spotted at our sites” section for wildlife clips!
Since introducing the landscaping we are seeing more and more wildlife in the area, this will only increase as the habitats mature.
Working with a local wetland reserve
Birds
Working with a local wetland reserve
Carbon Storage
Working with a local wetland reserve
Small animals
Increasing biodiversity at Hinkley Point C
At the southern end of the Hinkley Point C construction site, we’ve planted 40,000 trees and shrubs, built wildlife ponds and created bug hotels. All designed to create lasting habitats for local wildlife.
Working with Somerset Wildlife Trust
Over £150,000 of Hinkley Point C funding is being used to support the Somerset Wildlife Trust Brilliant Coast’s Campaign.
Locally sourced food – from field to fork
Somerset Larder's focus on sourcing local ingredients is making a difference to the wider sustainability of the project.
Wondering how you can make a difference?
At Hinkley Point C we’ve created habitats across both our main and associated development sites. Whether that’s bird boxes, our badger barn, habitats for breeding water voles or the thousands of trees and shrubs we’ve planted.
But you don’t need lots of space to make a difference, no matter how big your garden is, we’ve created some simple How To guides to help you create new habitats.
How to build a bug hotel
How to build a bucket pond
Spotted at our sites
Don’t just take our word for it, take a look at the nature and wildlife we’ve spotted across our sites!
Contact us
The best way to contact us about Hinkley Point C is by completing our online enquiry form. You can also call us on 0333 009 7070 (24 hour free phone number).
For EDF's 24/7 media enquiry line call 01452 652233.