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World first as GE Vernova completes Step 2 generic design assessment

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Nuclear, Regulated industry, Uncategorized

We’ve just announced that GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy is the first company in the world to successfully complete our two step generic design assessment (GDA) process. Its BWRX-300 reactor design, a 300 megaWatt electrical (MWe) boiling water reactor, has been issued with a Step 2 statement. What does this mean and what have we …

Bathing Season 2025 storm overflow EDM data analysed

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: EDM, Environment Agency, Uncategorized, Water, Water Monitoring

Following the 2025 DEFRA bathing water classifications, we are sharing an update on storm overflow performance associated with bathing waters across England for the 2025 season (15 May to 30 September). This year has seen an overall improvement: both the …

Reflecting on progress in regulation: Paving the way to EA2030 

A group of Environment Agency staff wearing blue hard hats and high visibility clothing in conversation

With the launch of EA2030, the Environment Agency has set out a clear and ambitious strategy for the years ahead. This vision responds directly to the climate and nature emergencies and outlines how we will work with partners to deliver …

The Unsung Heroes of Water Monitoring: A Chief Scientist's Perspective

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Environment Agency, Science, Uncategorized, Water Monitoring
An internal view of the Environment Agency's Starcross labs, with bottles of samples and two scientists working in lab coats in the background.

When I first stepped into the Chief Scientist role at the Environment Agency, one of my earliest visits was to observe how our teams monitor England's rivers. What I witnessed was nothing short of remarkable—a complex network of skilled professionals …

How the Environment Agency is assessing new nuclear power station designs

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Environment Agency, Nuclear, Regulated industry, Uncategorized
EA employee Andy Pynn talking to Holtec employee in a nuclear manufacturing centre

As the UK government takes forward its plans for a low carbon future, the regulators of the nuclear industry, the Environment Agency, Office for Nuclear Regulation and Natural Resources Wales are currently assessing three new nuclear reactor designs. Teams of …

Enhancing flood and coastal erosion risk digital services with the latest data and mapping

Flooded agricultural land

The Environment Agency is transforming its understanding of flood and coastal erosion risk in England.   Over the past four years, we’ve been working with local authorities to develop a new National Flood Risk Assessment (NaFRA) and a new National …

Working in partnership to manage surface water flooding

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Climate change, Flood, Flood Planning, telemetry, Uncategorized
surface water flooding

Surface water flooding is localised and complex. There are currently 3.2 million properties in areas at risk in England. As the September floods have shown, it is a real and growing threat to life, property, infrastructure, and to the economy. …

World Rivers Day:  What are the biggest causes of river pollution and what’s being done about them? 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: agriculture, Cleaner Seas, Environment Agency, Rivers, Uncategorized, Water
View of flowing river

By Helen Wakeham, Director of Water World Rivers Day, celebrated every year on the fourth Sunday of September, is a global event that highlights the importance of rivers and the urgent need to protect them.    Public concern around pollution in …