EADT24, January 26, 2007

SIZEWELL 'DEFENSIBLE' AGAINST SEA

[Rachel's introduction: Charles Barnett, chairman of the Shut Down Sizewell Campaign, said: "No-one can foresee what will happen in the future and, in line with the precautionary principle, we should not allow the building of any more nuclear power stations on our coast."]

By David Green

British Energy insisted yesterday that the Sizewell nuclear [power plant] site is defensible against the sea -- despite a Met office forecast that "surge" levels could rise by 1.7 metres on the Suffolk coast by the end of the century.

According to an interim report in a study of the impact of climate change on the UK's nuclear sites, the sea level is likely to rise higher at Sizewell than at any other site.

However, British Energy said yesterday that the study was a "worst scenario" and that the situation would continue to be monitored for Sizewell B and taken into account for any future Sizewell C.

The Met Office findings are based on a range of scenarios, including continuing high global carbon dioxide emissions, daily average temperatures 5-6C higher than at present, rainfall increases of 30-35% in winter (but 40-60% lower in summer) and winds 10% stronger in winter.

The highest predicted increase in sea surge levels in the UK was a 1.7 metre rise at Sizewell while the lowest was a 0.9 metre rise at Hinkley Point in Somerset.

The findings are the first stage of a study which will now move on to a further assessment of coastal vulnerability -- by an engineering consultancy.

David Norfolk, a member of British Energy's strategy team, said the situation at Sizewell B had been regularly monitored by a multi-agency "framework" group since consent was given for the power station and this would continue to be the case.

Mr Norfolk said the impact of global warming on sea level rise would continue to be assessed and, if necessary, the defences in front of the nuclear site could be strengthened.

If a Sizewell C was proposed, the sea defence situation would be assessed at that time but, even under the worst scenario studied by the Met office, the power station could be designed with sea level rise in mind and successfully defended.

"We understand the importance of climate change, and we're committed to environmental responsibility," Mr Norfolk said.

"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."

He added: "We work in consultation with a number of agencies with an interest in sea defences across the UK to develop a long-term strategy for these sites that would take us forward into the decommissioning phase, as well as into potential new build."

Charles Barnett, chairman of the Shut Down Sizewell Campaign, said: "No-one can foresee what will happen in the future and, in line with the precautionary principle, we should not allow the building of any more nuclear power stations on our coast."

The full report into the impact of climate change on nuclear sites is expected to published by British Energy in February.

Copyright 2007 Archant Regional