Nuclear power station cooling waters: evidence on 3 aspects
Study to inform permitting decisions on nuclear power station cooling waters.
Applies to England
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Nuclear power stations require large volumes of water from coasts or estuaries for cooling. The abstraction and discharge of this water can damage the environment. This study reviews the evidence on three aspects of cooling water abstraction and discharge that are particularly relevant to the protection of animal and plant life (biota):
- information on fish deterrent systems
- the regulatory approach taken by other countries
- modelling methods used to assess the impact of cooling water systems on fish and other biota
These are of particular importance in the regulation of new-build nuclear power stations in the UK. The Environment Agency wants to minimise the environmental impact of cooling water abstraction and discharge at these power stations.
The rigorous approach used to assess the scientific evidence provides confidence that the review was comprehensive.
The information assessed in this report may have relevance to other large-scale water intakes and discharges such as those for existing nuclear and conventional power stations, and tidal hydropower.