Community Update Letter – October 2017
Dear Resident
Update on new nuclear power station proposals at Bradwell
Further to our November 2015 letter, when we explained our intention to develop proposals for a new nuclear power station at Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, we wanted to provide you with an update on our progress.
There are many consents and permissions required before you can develop a new nuclear power station, which include a Development Consent Order (DCO), a Nuclear Site Licence, and various environmental permits (see graph below). Before we are able to prepare applications for these, we need to undertake a variety of investigative and technical studies to understand the site and surrounding environment in more detail. As part of this, early site investigation and assessment work is required, which we are now beginning to plan and undertake. The results of these will then be used to inform the power station proposals themselves.
We do not expect investigatory work to affect residents. However, if you are in the vicinity of our land (see map) you might come across our work which will involve a small team of engineers and technical specialists undertaking bore holes and other surveys.
Some of the initial site specific investigatory activity needs planning approval from Maldon District Council before it can commence. Our first planning application for such works will be submitted shortly to the Council.
In addition to the activity specific to Bradwell, we have also made progress on the assessment by UK nuclear regulators of the reactor technology which we are proposing to build and then operate at the new station, known as Bradwell B.
As we explained in our previous letter, CGN and EDF Energy are intending to develop Bradwell B with a third-generation pressurised water reactor called UK HPR1000, similar to the Sizewell B reactor in Suffolk. It is necessary for all reactor technology to comply with the UK’s robust nuclear regulation requirements.
In January this year we began a process called the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) for the UKHPR1000. This process is independently controlled by the Office for Nuclear Regulation and the Environment Agency. It ensures that the design of new nuclear power stations proposed to be built in the UK meet high standards of safety, security, environmental protection and waste management.
We expect the next stage of the assessment to start this winter, which includes the GDA comments process; this will be publicised to encourage public participation. Further information on the GDA process can be found on the regulators’ joint website http://www.onr.org.uk/new-reactors/index.htm
Due to the early stage of the proposals for Bradwell B, there is currently no overall defined timeline for the project. We will keep you informed as we move forward, but it is a lengthy process over many years and every site and nuclear proposal is different. As our detailed proposals are developed we will undertake in-depth public consultation before progressing.
If you would like further information please visit https://www.bradwellb.co.uk or make contact using any of the below details.
Yours faithfully,
Zhu Minhong
CEO Bradwell Power Generation Company Ltd
Richard Mayson
Deputy CEO Bradwell Power Generation Company Ltd
T: 01621 451 451
E: info@bradwellb.co.uk
www.bradwellb.co.uk