Public consultation on an application to change Hinkley Point C’s permit to operate its standby diesel generators
The Environment Agency (EA) is the independent environmental regulator for the nuclear industry in England. It makes sure that nuclear power stations meet high standards of environmental protection and it regulates the potential impacts of nuclear sites on people and the environment. To build and operate a new power station at a specific site, a company must apply for environmental permits from the Environment Agency.
The EA is launching a consultation about a change to a permit that NNB Generation Company (HPC) Limited needs to operate Hinkley Point C power station. It is not for construction site activities.
Nuclear power stations must have a permit for combustion activities. The permit allows the company to operate standby power supply systems (diesel generators) in the event of a loss of off-site power. The permit covers the diesel generators together with associated fuel storage tanks and the interconnecting pipework.
Since the permit was originally granted in 2013, NNB Generation Company (HPC) Limited has made several design changes. This proposed variation is to allow the installation of additional back-up generators, and changes to those already permitted. These changes are intended to improve the site’s resilience in the event of a loss of off-site power.
The EA will only issue a varied permit if they are satisfied that the permit will ensure that a high level of protection is provided for the environment and human health, and that the activities will not give rise to any significant pollution.
Your comments are welcome. You can view Hinkley Point C’s application and send your comments via the consultation webpage: https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/psc/ta5-1ud-nnb-generation-company-hpc-limited-v004/
(The application documents are at the bottom of the webpage.)
Wootton Courtenay 