No Active Subduction Zones Near Wylfa
by Stephen Wilks
Atomic power is the only practical way of generating the large amount CO2 free electricity needed in the UK. Unlike Japan, the UK including Wylfa on Anglesey is not near an active subduction zone, so large earthquakes are extremely unlikely. Nuclear power has proved to be exceptionally safe compared to convential power stations, such as coal and gas fired equivalents. The site at Wylfa B is ideal in this respect and so I am very much for this new nuclear developement. Stephen Wilks. Also the Office of Nuclear Regulation has recently ruled that all the proposed sites for new nuclear build in the UK were considered to be safe. However, there was one issue where the report by Dr Mike Weightman did note concern regarding flood defences and recommended the sea defence walls be reviewed. It was suggested that the flood defence walls at three locations were actually lower than the height of a tidal wave in the worst case scenario, which could occur once every 10,000 years. So it does suggest a very thorough and rigorous assessment of safety, with no stones left unturned. The sea defence walls at Hinckley Point, Dungeness and Torness in Scotland all have walls which are slightly lower than the maximum wave heights modelled for each location. All three of the above exisiting reactors are run by EDF Energy and there are plans to build a new station at Hinckley Point. It appears Wylfa B sea defences would be secure for a similar scenario. And of course, if what you say is correct Stephen, then we would unlikely experience a tsunami off UK waters in the first place, and so the above scenarios may in fact never come about. It is, however, reassuring to know that the Office of Nuclear Regulation is even prepared to go to these lengths to mitigate an event that has a very low probability of occuring. For more local news and stories, subscribe to our free Anglesey Newsletter here. It's as easy as 1-2-3! Photo by Dave Gostisha, United States
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