The public comment process on the reactor technology for the proposed nuclear power station at Bradwell B has closed after almost four years.

The China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) and the French power company EDF, through their joint venture company General Nuclear System Limited, initiated the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process for the proposed reactor in January 2017.

Since November 2017, the public has been invited to provide feedback on the UK HPR1000 reactor technology design developed by the company for the proposed site.

Over 70 responses were received from members of the public and organisations - a similar level of response to previous GDAs.

Topics covered by the feedback include the safe disposal of waste and spent fuel, climate change and design management.

Minhong Zhu, Managing Director of General Nuclear System Limited, said: "I would like to thank everyone who took part in the comments process.

"It has been an important way for us and the regulators to listen to the public and provide feedback to questions.

"The close of comments is a milestone in the assessment of this safe, advanced and proven reactor technology, which can support the UK to meet its net zero carbon targets."

The GDA takes place before a developer has formed detailed proposals for a specific site, in order to allow regulators to identify potential concerns early on.

The GDA for the proposed Bradwell B site, in Bradwell-on-Sea, is on track to be completed in early 2022.

If successful, a Design Acceptance Confirmation (DAC) and Statement of Design Acceptability (SoDA) will be issued from the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) and Environment Agency (EA).

In order to build a nuclear power station at a specific location, the site's individual conditions need to be taken into account, meaning that a range of site specific consents are required, including development consent, site licensing and environmental permits.

These consents for Bradwell B will require separate and in-depth public engagement and consultation over the coming years.

To find out more about the GDA, you can visit the UK HPR1000 website using the link here.

A summary of the comments received on the UK HPR1000 reactor technology can be viewed using the link here

Further information about Bradwell B, including contact details, can be found on its website via the link here.