Posts Tagged ‘Hinkley’

Planning green light for Hinkley N-plant

Posted by admin on March 21st, 2013

19 March 2013

Commenting on the Government decision today to give planning permission to a new nuclear power plant at Hinkley, Friends of the Earth’s Policy and Campaigns Director Craig Bennett said:

“The Alice-in-Wonderland economics of the nuclear industry killed off previous plans for a new reactor at Hinkley – decades later, little has changed.

“The only way this plant will be built is if the Government hands over a blank cheque from UK taxpayers to French developers, EDF.

“The most cost-effective way to cut carbon and keep the lights on is a combination of energy efficiency and investing in renewables, the cost of which are falling year on year.

“For decades nuclear industry has over-promised and under-delivered – we can’t afford to keep throwing money at it.”

ENDS

If you’re a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

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Environment Agency: Environmental permits issued for new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C in Somerset

Posted by admin on March 13th, 2013

The Environment Agency has issued three new environmental permits today to NNB Generation Company Limited (NNB GenCo) for their proposed new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C in Somerset.

The permits are required for the station to operate and will allow it to:

• Discharge and dispose of radioactive wastes;

• Discharge cooling water and liquid effluents into the Bristol Channel;  and

• Operate standby power supply systems using diesel generators.

The limits and conditions that the Environment Agency has set in the permits will ensure that people and the environment are properly protected. 

Copies of documents including the Environment Agency’s Decision Documents are available on our website at the following link – www.environment-agency.gov.uk\hinkleypoint.

NNB GenCo’s permit applications were made to the Environment Agency in summer 2011.  The decisions to issue the permits came after the Environment Agency had carefully considered all of the responses that it had received to both public consultations that it held on the applications, and on its draft decisions.  Comments received included those from organisations such as the Health Protection Agency and Natural England, from other interested organisations, and from people living in the area of the proposed power station.   

Brian Payne, the Environment Agency’s Hinkley Point C Project Manager, said “The environmental permits we’ve issued for Hinkley Point C set limits and conditions that will ensure people and the environment will be properly protected.  I’d like to thank all who responded to our public consultations. We’ve carefully considered all of the comments we received and the documents we are publishing today explain our decisions”.

Any media enquiries should be directed to the Environment Agency press office on 01392 442008

-Ends-

 

NOTE TO EDITORS

NNB GenCo propose to build a twin reactor power station at Hinkley Point C using the EDF / Areva UK EPR design.  Each of the UK EPR reactors would each generate 1600MW of electricity, enough in total to power about 5 million homes.  The Environment Agency and the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) have already assessed the acceptability of the UK EPRTM reactor design in their Generic Design Assessment programme.

The ONR issued a nuclear licence for the site in November last year and the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change is currently considering whether a Development Consent Order for Hinkley Point C should be granted.

Copies of documents including the Environment Agency’s Decision Documents are available on our website at the following link – www.environment-agency.gov.uk\hinkleypoint – and are also available to view at the following locations:  

• Environment Agency Office,

Rivers House, East Quay, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 4YS. T: 03708 506506

• Environment Agency Office,

Rivers House, St. Mellons Business Park, Fortran Road, St. Mellons, Cardiff CF3 0EY. T: 02920 245330

• West Somerset Council, West Somerset House, Killick Way, Williton, Somerset TA4 4QA. T: 01643 703704

• Minehead Customer Centre, 1-3 Summerland Road, Minehead TA24 5BP,  T: 01643 703704

• Sedgemoor District Council, Bridgwater House, King Square, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 3AR. T: 01278 435591

• Burnham-on-Sea Library, Princess Street, Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset TA8 1EH.  T: 01278 780505

• Highbridge Public Library, Alpha House, Market Street, Highbridge,  Somerset TA9 3BP.T: 0845 345 9177

• Somerset County Council, Major Energy Projects, Environment Directorate, County Hall, Taunton, Somerset TA1 4DY.  T: 01823 357129

• North Somerset Council Corporate Services Unit, Somerset House, Oxford Street, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset BS23 1TG. T: 01934 427434

• Vale of Glamorgan Council, Pollution Control Team, Civic Offices, Holton Road, Barry CF63 4RU. T: 01446 709 779

The documents can be viewed at the Environment Agency Office during normal office hours (9am-5pm, Monday to Friday). Please ring in advance to arrange an appointment by calling the National Customer Contact Centre on 03708 506 506. You can also request a copy of the documents (a charge may be made to cover the cost of copying). 

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Envrionment Agency: Public consultation starts on nuclear permits at Hinkley power station

Posted by admin on August 13th, 2012

The Environment Agency begins a public consultation on its draft decisions for three environmental permits for the proposed Hinkley Point C Nuclear Power Station on August 13.

EDF Energy’s and Centrica’s joint venture company, NNB Generation Company Limited, applied for the permits in July last year.  Each permit is a key regulatory permission that is required to operate the power station. 

The Environment Agency is deciding whether the permits should be issued and, if so, what their conditions should be.  If granted, the permits would allow the power station to:

• Discharge and dispose of radioactive wastes;
• Discharge cooling water and liquid effluents into the Bristol Channel ;
• Operate standby power supply systems using diesel generators.

The Agency has consulted on and assessed the applications and considers that the permits could be issued subject to the limits and conditions specified to ensure that people and the environment are properly protected. 

As part of the 13-week consultation a number of public “surgeries” will be held, where people can arrange to meet an Environment Agency specialist to discuss the draft decision documents.

‘We will make sure that any new nuclear power stations in England and Wales meet high standards of environmental protection and waste management.  Our draft permits are included in the consultation documents and we’ve set out our reasoning in the draft decision documents. People now have a further opportunity to comment or provide information on our draft decisions,’ said Brian Payne, Nuclear New Build Project Manager for the Environment Agency.

‘Our consultation closes on the 9 November so there is plenty of time to get responses to us. We will not make final decisions until we have carefully considered all the comments we receive during consultation.’

Anyone can phone our National Customer Contact Centre on 03708 506506 to book an appointment:

DATE       TIME               LOCATION
10 Sept     10am-7pm      Phoenix Centre, Watchet
11 Sept     10am-7pm     Bridgwater Town Hall
13 Sept     10am-7pm     Princess Theatre, Burnham-on-Sea
18 Sept     10am-7pm     Stogursey Victory Hall
19 Sept     10am-7pm     Cannington College
20 Sept     10am-7pm     Otterhampton Village Hall
27 Sept     10am-7pm      Memorial Hall theatre,  Barry,

Comments can be sent by post quoting the application number to:
The Environment Agency
Permitting Support Service
PO Box 4404
Sheffield
S9 4WF
Or email [email protected]

The summary of the draft decision documents for consultation can be viewed at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/hinkleypoint; the application documents in full are available on EDF’s website:
http://hinkleypoint.edfenergyconsultation.info/home

Any media enquiries should be directed to the Environment Agency press office on 01392 442008

-Ends-

NOTE TO EDITORS
 Copies of the full documents are also available to view at the following locations:  
• Environment Agency Office,
Rivers House, East Quay, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 4YS. T: 03708 506506

• Environment Agency Office,
Rivers House, St. Mellons Business Park, Fortran Road, St. Mellons, Cardiff CF3 0EY. T: 02920 245330

• West Somerset Council, West Somerset House, Killick Way, Williton, Somerset TA4 4QA. T: 01643 703704

• Minehead Customer Centre, 1-3 Summerland Road, Minehead TA24 5BP,  T: 01643 703704

• Sedgemoor District Council, Bridgwater House, King Square, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 3AR. T: 01278 435591

• Burnham-on-Sea Library, Princess Street, Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset TA8 1EH.  T: 01278 780505

• Highbridge Public Library, Alpha House, Market Street, Highbridge,  Somerset TA9 3BP.T: 0845 345 9177

• Somerset County Council, Major Energy Projects, Environment Directorate, County Hall, Taunton, Somerset TA1 4DY.  T: 01823 357129

• North Somerset Council Corporate Services Unit, Somerset House, Oxford Street, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset BS23 1TG. T: 01934 427434
• Vale of Glamorgan Council,  Pollution Control Team, Civic Offices, Holton Road, Barry CF63 4RU. T: 01446 709 779

Any responses received including personal information, must normally be placed on the public register so people need to say if they do not want the comment to appear on the register.

The applications can be viewed at the Environment Agency Office during normal office hours (9am-5pm, Monday to Friday). Please ring in advance to arrange an appointment by calling the National Customer Contact Centre on 03708 506 506. You can also request a copy of the documents (a charge may be made to cover the cost of copying). 

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Hinkley power station delay deals blow to government’s nuclear ambitions

Posted by admin on May 14th, 2012
    • Hinkley C : Anti Nuclear Protesters Demonstrate Outside Hinkley Point Nuclear Power Station
    Anti-nuclear protesters at Hinkley mark the first anniversary of the Fukushima disaster in Japan, on 10 March 2012. Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images

    Massive earthworks needed to prepare the ground for a new nuclear power station at Hinkley in Somerset have been delayed, dealing a further blow to the government’s energy plans.

    Half of the big six energy firms have already abandoned their nuclear plans as too costly, but Hinkley is backed by the most pro-nuclear of them, EDF, which is 83% owned by the French state.

    Replacing the UK’s ageing nuclear plants is central to coalition plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions while keeping the lights on. EDF was seen as the most committed company, with France getting 75% of its electricity from nuclear power.

    Reports of rising reactor costs and the election of François Hollande as French president, with promises to cut back on nuclear power, have dented confidence.

    UK energy company bosses have stressed the need for ministers to ensure planned energy market reforms, set out in the Queen’s speech, make building nuclear power stations an attractive investment.

    Work to move millions of cubic metres of soil and rock at the Hinkley site was due to begin in August, according to West Somerset council’s planning department. But EDF staff have been told the work will now start in 2013.

    Crispin Aubrey of the Stop Hinkley campaign said: “This is very good news. We’ve always argued that it’s appalling vandalism to destroy more than 400 acres of Somerset countryside before they even have permission to construct the proposed reactors. This is yet another sign that the UK’s dangerous nuclear enterprise is stumbling.”

    EDF is expected to get the government’s go-ahead to build the reactors within the next year. “We aim to start the earthworks as soon as practicable and all necessary steps are being taken to ensure that work can start in good time,” said an EDF spokesman. Some preparatory work had begun since planning permission was granted in February, he said, including cutting hedges and demolishing old buildings. Internally, EDF blamed the delay on cost overruns on the preparatory work. One source involved in the project told the Guardian the work so far had been a “farce”.

    The £100m earthworks contracts were awarded to construction companies Keir and BAM Nuttall in February, days after David Cameron and Nicolas Sarkozy agreed a wide-ranging nuclear power deal. Both firms declined to comment on the delay.

    The delay comes at a highly sensitive time as EDF and other companies negotiate with the government over the financial support that will be available to nuclear and other low-carbon energy sources, such as wind and solar power.

    On Friday, the chief executive of Centrica, which has a 20% stake in EDF’s nuclear plans, issued a warning to ministers. “The investment case for nuclear has yet to be proven,” Sam Laidlaw told investors. Earlier, EDF’s chief executive, Vincent de Rivaz, said: “It is absolutely critical that the government continues to make steady, tangible progress with its electricity market reform plans.” EDF has been criticised as being too close to government, providing full-time staff to work within the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

    Energy minister Charles Hendry will be questioned by MPs on the nuclear challenge on Tuesday.

    A DECC spokeswoman said: “It is for energy companies to construct, operate and decommission nuclear power stations. EDF’s application for development consent for the nuclear power station itself envisages operations starting in 2019.”

    “The flagship nuclear project in Britain is now surrounded with confusion and is going nowhere fast,” said Doug Parr, Greenpeace chief scientist. “It’s time for the government to admit that the economics of nuclear power just don’t stack up. Only blank cheques from the taxpayer will keep the show on the road.”

    The cost of the two nuclear plants EDF intends to build in Somerset was reported last week to have risen by 40% to £7bn each. Peter Atherton, an influential energy analyst at Citigroup, said in a report: “If construction costs are indeed anything like that, then an already very challenging programme may be reaching the point of impossibility.”

    An EDF spokesman said: “Information about costs will be made public in due course, taking account of all the relevant factors. We remain committed to delivering the first new nuclear plants in the UK for 20 years at Hinkley Point. The decision depends on having the correct market framework that will allow an appropriate return on the massive investment required.”

    Environment news, comment and analysis from the Guardian | guardian.co.uk

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    Environment Agency issues waste water permit for Hinkley Point C

    Posted by admin on March 1st, 2012

    All waste water discharged from Hinkley Point, Somerset will have to undergo effluent treatment under strict new controls announced today by the Environment Agency.

    The Environment Agency is issuing a permit to NNB Generation Company Limited (NNBGenCo) for waste water discharges arising from site preparation for the proposed new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C. The permit also covers the waste water discharges that would arise from construction of the station if it obtains full planning permission.
    Waste waters include surface water drainage, groundwater from boreholes used to drain deep excavations and concrete plant wash waters. Drainage from the site will be discharged into the Holford Stream and the Severn Estuary.

    ‘This permit will help ensure the company delivers the high level of environmental protection that we expect at Hinkley Point C,’ said Brian Payne for the Environment Agency.   ‘In reaching our decision we took into consideration the views of local people who responded to our consultation and we’d like to thank those who took the time to do so.’

    The permit’s requirements include the company having to:
    • construct Water Management Zones across the site to collect and control discharges;
    • implement new site drainage systems;
    • use modern effluent treatment units to control suspended solids and protect water quality; and
    • monitor and report their discharges and the performance of their treatment systems.

    Guidance on decision-making under the Regulations can be found at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/topics/permitting/32320.aspx or use the shortcut url http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/hinkleypoint

    The Environment Agency is also currently considering three applications from NNBGenCo for environmental permits that would enable operation of a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C and expects to consult further on these in the Summer.  No decisions have been made on whether these should be issued. 

    Any media enquiries should be directed to the Environment Agency press office on 01392 442008.

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    Environment Agency: Deadline approaches for comments on permit applications for proposed Hinkley Point C nuclear power station

    Posted by admin on November 23rd, 2011

    The first round of public consultation on environmental permit applications for the proposed Hinkley Point C nuclear power station in Somerset ends in two weeks time on Thursday,15 December.

    The first round of public consultation on environmental permit applications for the proposed Hinkley Point C nuclear power station in Somerset ends in two weeks time on Thursday,15 December.

    The Environment Agency is seeking comments on applications by NNB Generation Company Limited a joint venture between EDF Energy and Centrica.

    for:

    • an environmental permit for cooling water and liquid effluent discharges into the Severn estuary application number EPR/HP3228XT/A001.

    • discharges and disposals of radioactive waste application number EPR/ZP3690SY

    • operation of standby power supply systems  application number EPR /ZP3238FH/A001

    The permits are needed for the operation of NNB Generation Company Limited’s proposed new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C, near Bridgwater.

    Comments should be sent by December 15, 2011 quoting the application number to:

    The Environment Agency
    Permitting Support Centre
    PO Box 4404
    Sheffield
    S9 4WF
    Or people can email [email protected]

    The applications for Hinkley Point C can be viewed at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/hinkleypoint

    Copies of the application are also available to view at the public registers held at the following locations: Bridgwater, Cardiff, Williton, Burnham, Taunton, Weston-super-Mare, and Barry.

    ‘We welcome people’s views on these applications and will carefully consider their comments before we progress to the next stage of our decision making process,’ said Brian Payne for the Environment Agency.

    ‘People will have a further opportunity to provide us with their comments when we conduct a further consultation on our draft decisions.’

    Any media queries should be directed to the Environment Agency press office on 01392 442008.

    Ends

    NOTE TO EDITORS

    A copy of the application for public viewing is held at the following locations:  

    Environment Agency Office
    Rivers House, East Quay, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 4YS.
     
    Environment Agency Office
    Rivers House, St. Mellons Business Park, Fortran Road, St. Mellons, Cardiff, CF3 0EY.

    West Somerset District Council (Williton and customer centre in Minehead)  West Somerset Council, West Somerset House, Killick Way, Williton, Somerset, TA4 4QA.

    Sedgemoor District Council, Bridgwater House, King Square, Bridgwater, TA6 3AR.

    Burnham-on-Sea Library, Princess Street, Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset, TA8 1EH.

    Somerset County Council, ajor Energy Projects, Environment Directorate, Somerset County Council, County Hall, Taunton, TA1 4DY.

    North Somerset Council Corporate Services Unit, Somerset House, Oxford Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1TG.
     
    Vale of Glamorgan Council
    Pollution Control Team, Civic Offices, Holton Road, Barry, CF63 4RU

    Any responses received must normally be placed on the public register so people need to say if they do not want the comment to appear on the register.

    The application can be viewed at the Environment Agency Office during normal office hours (9am-5pm, Monday to Friday). Please ring in advance to arrange an appointment by calling the National Customer Contact Centre on 03708 506 506. You can also request a copy of the application; however, a charge may be made to cover the cost of copying.

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    Hinkley Lighting Gallery Urges Use of Dark Sky-Rated Fixtures for Home…

    Posted by admin on August 15th, 2011

    San Mateo, CA (PRWEB) August 15, 2011

    Hinkley Lighting Gallery, a leading online vendor of Hinkley Lighting fixtures, is urging homeowners to light up their outdoor spaces the ‘Green way’ by encouraging the use of outdoor lighting fixtures rated by the International Dark Sky Association. Hinkley Lighting Gallery has been carrying Dark Sky light fixtures for over a year and reiterates its advocacy of eco-friendly lighting as the city of Boston implements a push towards sustainability.

    With the help of Hurry Associates, Boston has replaced more than 14,000 mercury-vapor street and roadway lights with Philips Hadco’s light-emitting diodes (LED), the New RX1 and RX2. According to a press release distributed by Philips Electronics North America, these light bulbs maximize energy savings while providing a relaxing and appealing white light. The city is expected to save around $ 1.1 million annually in electricity costs by cutting an estimated 8.9 million kilowatt hours of energy consumption because of this simple and easy change. Since Philips LEDs are designed to last for about 18 years—four times longer than the lamps replaced—the city will also save on maintenance costs. Completed installation is scheduled for December 2011.

    The International Dark Sky Association was founded in 1988 to call attention to the hazards of light pollution. As the recognized authority on light pollution, they aim to advance public awareness on energy-efficient alternatives, such as reducing energy use through quality outdoor lighting.

    “Carrying Dark Sky fixtures is one way Hinkley Lighting Gallery shows its support for sustainable initiatives,” says Karishma Baijal, spokesperson for the Company. “Hinkley Lighting Gallery light fixtures combine aesthetics and function to suit the needs of modern homeowners, part of which means offering environmentally-sound options for home lighting.” On behalf of Hinkley Lighting Gallery, Baijal suggests homeowners incorporate Dark Sky-rated light fixtures into their home lighting plan to assist environmental protection initiative while saving on energy bills. Dark Sky fixtures from Hinkley Lighting Gallery can be installed or updated during any season, but are the perfect addition to end-of summer remodels.

    Aside from its Dark Sky-rated fixtures, Hinkley Lighting Gallery offers other elegant items and fixtures that provide excellent lighting for homes. Exquisite kitchen lighting that utilizes LED fixtures can be a stylish and sustainable, addition to any home. Aside from Dark Sky-rated lighting, Hinkley Lighting Gallery also offers LED and CFL compatible fixtures. The Company would also like to remind homeowners that LEDs and CFLs are smart ways to reduce energy usage and help the environment while lighting your home, from bathroom lighting to outdoor lighting.

    Ms. Baijal closes: “Energy-efficient light fixtures and bulbs are an important contribution to the global effort to save the planet. Dark Sky-rated light fixtures improve energy output, lower electricity costs, and help reduce light pollution all without sacrificing style and function.”

    For more information, please visit http://www.hinkleylightinggallery.com.

    About Hinkley Lighting Gallery:

    At Hinkley Lighting Gallery, our goal is to provide you with the finest lighting fixtures manufactured by Hinkley Lighting. Hinkley Lighting combines design and functionality to produce the right lights for you – whether it is home lighting or outdoor lighting. With over 80 years of experience in the lighting industry, Hinkley Lighting is able to produce the finest quality products that address the needs of its customers.

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    Hinkley Lighting Gallery Brightens Up National Recreation Month With…

    Posted by admin on July 11th, 2011

    San Mateo, CA (PRWEB) July 11, 2011

    The purpose of National Recreation Month is to encourage Americans to spend more time outdoors and enjoy their community. This July, Hinkley Lighting Gallery, a leading online retailer of high-quality home lighting collections, gives homeowners a way to spend longer hours outdoors by establishing discounts on its clearance lighting fixtures. The brand’s clearance store offers an array of discontinued and heavily discounted lights.

    Hinkley Lighting Gallery spokeswoman Karishma Baijal sees the company’s extensive selection of clearance indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures as an opportunity to spend time outdoors while making inexpensive upgrades to the home exterior. This adds to a home’s resale value with little out-of-pocket expense to the homeowner.

    “This National Recreation Month, we want our customers to spend more time outdoors, so we’re inviting them to invest in our selection of clearance outdoor Hinkley Lighting fixtures,” says Baijal. “These fixtures are of the highest quality, and yet, because they’ve been discontinued, they come at wallet-friendly prices. Our product offerings also include clearance kitchen, bedroom, foyer, living room, and bathroom lighting pieces—so customers can enjoy affordable upgrades inside and outside the home.”

    Hinkley Lighting Gallery’s announcement comes on the heels of the economic forecasts from Bloomberg and CBS Miami. Both forecasts indicate that the country is still recovering from the 2008 recession. Based on the forecast from JP Morgan Chase & Co., company earnings will continue to improve by 10% each year until 2013. Employment growth is also showing an upward trend, with 2.14 million new-hires since March 2010.

    “While the nation is still recovering from the recession, we want to give our customers a way to inexpensively upgrade the value of their homes,” says Ms. Baijal. “National Recreation Month is also a great morale booster for communities in these trying times – Congress officially passed the act in 2009. This is why we chose to debut the deeper discounts in our clearance section at this time.”

    For more information please visit http://www.hinkleylightinggallery.com.

    About Hinkley Lighting Gallery

    At Hinkley Lighting Gallery, our goal is to provide you with the finest lighting fixtures manufactured by Hinkley Lighting. Hinkley Lighting combines design and functionality to produce the right lights for you – whether it is home lighting or outdoor lighting. With over 80 years of experience in the lighting industry, Hinkley Lighting is able to produce the finest quality products that address the needs of its customers.

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