The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science has awarded a contract for intertidal Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) flights - commonly known as drones - for the Hinkley Point C Nuclear New Build project worth an estimated £750,000 (inc VAT).

The contract covers the monitoring of potential coastal change and intertidal algal coverage for the Hinkley Point C (HPC) Nuclear New Build project to meet regulatory environmental monitoring requirements.

The RPA flights and photography are required:

• along the Hinkley Point foreshore
• at Combwich Wharf and the surrounding banks of the River Parrett.

The first surveys are due to start in October or November 2025, pending completion of all pre-survey health and safety requirements.

Current estimated start and end contract dates are 11 September 2025 to 31 December 2026, with three further possible annual extension options up to 31 December 2029.

The total estimated budget covers the full potential contract duration.

Marine Science Support Ltd has been awarded the contract, one of three companies in the bidding for the work. The firm operates fixed wing Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), commonly referred to as UAVs or Drones, to provide UAV Aerial Surveys.