Proposed Power Plant Construction - Case Study Example

Proposed Power Plant Construction Student’s Name Course Professor Date Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 1.0 Developmental Proposal 3 2.0 History of Land Development 4 2.1 Nature and extent of urban development 4 2.2 Influence of man-made environment on development 6 3.0 Appropriateness of the Development Proposal 7 3.1 Reasons for proposal of Hinckley Region 7 3.2 Previous land/site use 8 3.3 Appropriateness of development to the site/area 8 References 10 Appendix 1 11 1.0 Developmental Proposal Hinckley Point C has been proposed as a major site for nuclear power station. Hinckley is located in the southwest Leicestershire, near Nuneaton Warwickshire, England. The town is under Hinckley Borough Council. There are other two power plants already built at Hinckley but Point C power plant will exceed them in size and power production. The project precise location has been mapped on northern Somerset coast where there is vast land for such extensive development. The development comes at a time when most UK’s power stations are expected to close almost in the next five years. In turn, there must be ways to provide enough electricity supply to meet the demands of businesses and houses. Construction activities will take almost a decade. Once the investment framework is approved, Hinckley power plant will need funding for the proposed 3.2 GW nuclear power from its two reactors. The one of its kind mega facility will revitalize UK’s power industry by providing clean, affordable and secure power source for over 5 million homes. One of its operational requirements is labour where the proposed power plant that will take nearly ten years will require around 25,000 employment opportunities. The plant will constitute 2 nuclear reactor units, 2 turbine halls, fuel, storage and waste management facilities, cooling water infrastructure, a sea wall, electricity transmission infrastructure, landscaping for construction land, service and ancillary buildings and public information centre. After its completion, it will provide around 900 jobs for over 60 years. Furthermore, there will be secondary developments including an accommodation campus near main site and 2 accommodation campuses at Bridgwater which will be used by construction workers. Four park facilities will be constructed to facilitate transportation of workers. A temporary jetty, refurbished wharf will deliver heavy materials and equipment by sea and reduce pressure on roads. 2.0 History of Land Development 2.1 Nature and extent of urban development The history of Hinckley can be traced back to Anglo-Saxon in 11th Century when it derived its name as a large village. Its current status as an urban center is related to its location, industrial activities and transport network. By early 14th Century, Hinckley had developed into a small market town. In 17th century, it was a hosiery industry town that produced stockings and clothing items. At the beginning of 19th century, Hinckley total population was 5,158 and most of them were employed in hosiery industry. Following the Local Government Act of 1894, Hinckley attained an urban district status. In 1934, it was expanded after ancient parishes like Stoke Golding, Burbage, Earl Shilton and Barwell were brought together under the County Review order. The introduction of Local Government Act in 1972 led to abolishment of Hinckley urban district which became unparished area in 1974. By 19th century, a large proportion of hosiery production in Britain came from Hinckley. Most of these factories shrunk during and after the World War II though there are still operational textiles factories in the area today. Retrieved from Google maps Hinckley has a history of engineering with Triumph Motorcycle Company and Ultima Sports Ltd having their roots here. Ultima still manufactures sports cars as in family-owned garages connected to Ford Motor Dealers. Hammond Furniture, a nationwide company has its roots in Hinckley and still operates two of its factories with over 850 employees. In addition to its industry, Hinckley transport network that comprise of extensive roads provides transport services to Leicester, Barwell, Burbage and Nuneaton. Railway line provides with regular services with Midland Main Line connecting the town with major towns while West Coast Line offering journeys to London. The position of the town contributed to its significant importance to the ssurrounding areas, as well as settlement and its significant development. The town as it is linked to UK motorway network; hence, it has been the most preferable location for several distribution warehouses. The town also access to Birmingham International and East Midlands airports. 2.2 Influence of man-made environment on development Hinckley Point C will be the first nuclear power station to be constructed in UK over the last 20 years. Its electricity production equivalent to 1,500 billion kWh units will serve over 5 million homes in its 60 years lifespan. Hinckley will have considerable development which is directly or indirectly attributed to the construction of Point C plant. According to EDF Energy (2013), some of the major benefits that will result from this huge investment project will only compare to those of London 2012 Olympic & Paralympics’ Games in scale. Furthermore, the plant will create large scale employment in manufacturing and construction sector in UK. The plant will position UK as a global leader by facilitating access to new nuclear energy that is safe, low-carbon and reliable. In fact, the proposed plant has raised the prospect of UK citizens and it has already inspired a new generation of scientists and engineers in UK. The project will specifically have a greater transformational effect on Somerset’s economy. Somerset people will benefit from skills and major employment opportunities brought about by the project. Currently, EDF Energy has planned to invest over £20 million for training, education and skills development in Somerset. It has already made a commitment of £6 million to facilitate training in Bridgwater and West Somerset Community College. There is an already built construction skills and enterprise centres which is part of early investment in relation to the project (EDF Energy 2013). 3.0 Appropriateness of the Development Proposal 3.1 Reasons for proposal of Hinckley Region As noted in Atomic Energy Licensing Board, (2011), before a nuclear power point is considered acceptable, it has to undergo rigorous evaluation for safety purposes. Majorly, population consideration makes such sites acceptable only if located away from densely populated centres. A list of considerations including geology and seismology, emergency planning, hydrology, ecological system, security plan as well as potential hazards related to industrial and transportation facilities have been assessed. The site is considered acceptable as protection through its design is practicable. The area has never experienced notable earthquakes and the probability of occurrence or severity of destruction of the plant can be protected. The site has to fulfill the requirement of characteristics as indicated in Appendix A below. The consequences of any potential accident can be dealt with at reasonable additional cost since will be at acceptable limits. Before embarking on the project, Hinckley Point C proposals was directly shaped by a 3 years stakeholder engagement and in-depth community consultation. This is exception nuclear project to undertaken such comprehensive consultation as required by Planning Act 2008. In turn, strong and lasting relationships have been established prior to commencement of the project. The local communities and Somerset local authorities have agreed on the development of the project in the area. In 2013, the project got three environmental permits as approve those levels of emissions from the power station (EDF Energy 2013). 3.2 Previous land/site use The power plant will be constructed in the coast region of Hinckley. The region has not had any significant economic activity except minimal agricultural activities. A stretch of around 2 kilometres exist between the village of Cannington and the coast. 3.3 Appropriateness of development to the site/area The area is appropriate due to its vastness to support it all the activities prior, during and after construction. Currently, a park and ride is being developed at south of Cannington. It will facilitate for collection of workers who will be travelling from west of Bridgwater, the nearby rural areas and travel to Site by bus. Visitors to the site and Public Information Centre will use this service when construction is underway. The Park and Ride parking spaces will carry 252 motorcycles and bicycles. Most importantly, the land that will be used during construction work will eventually be restored to its agricultural use. The Park and Ride will only serve as temporary facility in the construction duration. After completion, it will be removed and restored to existing agricultural use. The nearby Combwich Wharf which is being refurbished will serve for the delivery of bulky items in construction of the station. It will serve an important transport objective by maximize sea-borne deliveries while reducing use of roads. This will serve as a temporary freight lay-down facility will be restored as an agricultural land. However, a new wharf that will be developed will exist as a permanent facility to be used in operation of the power plant. The site will offer greater economic advantages as former training pitch for Albion Rugby Football Club and A car park south of Bath Road which is nearby will provide accommodation for construction workers. Bridgwater campus will also provide 150 workers with living space fin its separate accommodation buildings for 7 years. Afterwards, they will use the buildings when the work is finished (EDF Energy 2015). References Atomic Energy Licensing Board, (March 2011), Guideline for Site Selection for Nuclear Power Plant. Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Malaysia. EDF Energy, February 2013, Hinkley Point C: An Opportunity to Power the Future. NNB Generation Company Limited. Retrieved 16 March 2015 from http://www.edfenergy.com/sites/default/files/edf-energy-hinkley-point-c.pdf. EDF Energy, 2015, Hinkley Point C construction. Retrieved http://www.edfenergy.com/energy/nuclear-new-build-projects/hinkley-point-c/construction Department of Energy & Climate Change, October 2014, State aid approval for Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant. Govt. UK. Appendix 1 App. 1.0. Accessed from Atomic Energy Licensing Board, (March 2011). Read More