Global warming will not affect safety at Hinkley Point nuclear power station, near Burnham-On-Sea, according to a report published on Wednesday (January 24th) by owner British Energy.
The Met Office was asked by British Energy to investigate how climate change and rising sea levels might affect nuclear power plants around the UK.
The study has concluded that Hinkley Point will be affected less than all other plants with sea surges expected to rise by 0.9 metres, compared to 1.7 metres at Sizewell in Suffolk.
David Norfolk, from British Energy’s strategy team, said: “We understand the importance of climate change, and we’re committed to environmental responsibility. That is why this study is important in keeping our knowledge of the potential impacts on our sites fully up to date.”
“Although considerable rises in sea level are predicted by the end of the century in the most severe scenario, a mix of measures including coastal defences, flood protection and plant design would ensure our sites are well-protected from the effects of sea level rises.”
The Met Office study used regional climate models and built upon previous work completed in 2004 by the Met Office for British Energy for a smaller range of sites.
The findings are based on a range of scenarios, including one with continuing high CO2 emissions. In this case, by 2100 daily average summer temperatures are predicted to be up to some 5-6 °C higher than now; precipitation up to 30-35% higher in winter but 40-60% lower in summer, and winds up to 10% stronger in winter.
Using the same scenario, surge heights are predicted to increase by up to 1.7 metres at Sizewell, the most affected site, and 0.9 metres at Hinkley Point, the least affected.
Commentators believe the study could open the door to an expansion at Hinkley Point.
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