Research and analysis

Cooling water options for the new generation of nuclear power stations in the UK

Report into environmental issues associated with cooling water options for new nuclear power stations in UK

Documents

Cooling water options for the new generation of nuclear power stations in the UK

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Cooling water options for the new generation of nuclear power stations in the UK

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If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

The report reviews factors affecting the choice of cooling method and the environmental costs associated with each option. Direct cooling generally is the most thermally efficient (MWs generated per unit of fuel) but potentially has the highest impact on the local (aquatic) environment, whereas air-cooling has the lowest thermal efficiency and probably the lowest local environmental impact; tower-cooled stations are intermediate in efficiency and impact.

Updates to this page

Published 21 June 2010

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