Project Spotlight: Hinkley Point C

Hinkley Point C, HPC, renewables, sustainability, UK,

November 29, 2023

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Hinkley Point C is the UK’s first nuclear power plant station project in Somerset, aimed to provide sustainable and low-carbon electricity for six million homes.

Hinkley Point C (HPC) is the first nuclear power station to be built in the UK in over 20 years. HPC is one of Europe’s largest and most complex projects and will significantly contribute to the UK’s shift towards sustainable, low-carbon energy sources.

Currently being built in Somerset, UK, the project involves constructing two European Pressurized Reactors (EPRs), expected to provide about 7% of the country’s electricity and power around six million homes. It has been designed to produce less long-lived radioactive waste than other water-cooled reactors.

The 3.26GW plant will produce approximately 26TWh of electricity per year during its operational lifetime of 60 years. This will help meet the UK’s growing energy demands, as 9 million tonnes of carbon dioxide will be avoided yearly.

HPC is a joint venture involving several significant contractors, with French energy company Électricité de France (EDF) being the lead developer. In 2015, they signed an investment agreement with China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGNPC) to construct and operate the nuclear power plant project.

Laing O’Rourke and Bouygues TP joint venture (Bylor) is a contractor and is responsible for providing civil works for the concrete batching plant at Hinkley Point C.

Funding of Hinkley Point C

The funding for the HPC project was initially estimated to cost £22bn – £26bn. However, it was announced in February 2023 that total funding will increase between £31bn and £32.7bn due to the UK’s current inflationary pressures. 

Hinkley Point C commenced in September 2016, but has experienced significant delays due to its complex nature and cost pressures. However, the nuclear power plant project is expected to complete construction in June 2027.

UK Energy Strategy

The UK Energy Strategy sets out policies and proposals to transition the UK to a sustainable, low-carbon energy system. Currently, the focus is to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The Hinkley Point C project aligns with the UK’s energy strategy objectives of diversifying the energy mix away from fossil fuels and boosting renewable and nuclear energy capacity.

Why is Hinkley Point C so important to the UK?

Though Hinkley Point C solely provides low-carbon electricity, it will also set a precedent for future nuclear projects regarding safety and technological advancements.

The nuclear power plant project brings numerous positive economic impacts, as 22,000 engineering, construction and operational roles have been created. It provides a significant boost to local communities and the surrounding businesses.

HPC has invested £24m in education and skills, training up to 1000 apprenticeships and trainees. The development of the Construction Skills and Innovation Centre and the Energy Skills Centre is an innovative effort to bridge the gap between the education program with skills provision and job services.

In terms of environmental impact, Hinkley Point C is integral to the UK’s climate change goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. It provides a significant source of low-carbon electricity, essential for reducing the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels.

Moreover, Hinkley Point C is essential for bolstering energy security, especially as the UK phases out aging nuclear and coal power plants. This new facility will be a key contributor to maintaining a reliable electricity supply an incorporates more variable renewable energy sources.

Hinkley Point C is a multifaceted project with the potential to reshape the UK’s energy landscape, support economic growth, and contribute significantly to the country’s environmental goals.

Project status for Hinkley Point C

In February 2023, the first nuclear reactor built for the UK power station in over 30 years was completed and delivered on-site. Shortly after, the second giant vessel arrived on site and was used to create six vertical shafts.

Progress at the HPC site is advancing rapidly as Laing O’Rourke and Bouygues TP (Bylor) joint venture teams are busy working towards the next major milestone. This is the lift of the 245-tonne steel dome on top of the first reactor building. 

The team is making final preparations for the dome, a crucial step in making Unit 1 weatherproof. This advancement is key to initiating the next construction phase, enabling increased mechanical and electrical works.

Hinkley Point C construction features

The design of the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station incorporates advanced design features.

The nuclear station consists of two European Pressurised Reactors (EPRs) known for their enhanced safety and efficiency. EPRs are a generation III+ reactor design featuring a double containment structure for increased protection against external shocks and a core catcher in case of a meltdown. This significantly reduces the risk of radioactive release.

Multiple comprehensive safety systems are used to ensure reliability and redundancy. These systems include emergency cooling and backup power supplies designed to safely shut down the reactors in an emergency, reducing the risk of accidents.

The reactors for the nuclear power stations are designed for high operational efficiency. It is estimated to have a lifespan of 60 years, and the advanced monitoring systems will optimise performance and ensure electricity generation.

Reinforced structures, stringent access controls, and extensive surveillance systems are also used to ensure high security against external threats.

Environmental considerations of the Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant

The Hinkley Point C project is designed with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability.

Considerable efforts are made to protect the surrounding ecosystems, particularly in the Bristol Channel. The Bristol Channel is a major inlet in the UK, stretching between South Wales and the West of England, Some considerations include implementing innovative cooling systems to reduce thermal impact on marine life and carefully managing construction processes to minimise habitat disruption.

The two European Pressurised Reactors produce less carbon emissions than fossil fuel-based power generation.

Moreover, the project involves efficient waste management systems and strategies to reduce emissions, underscoring its commitment to sustainable environmental practices.

Challenges and controversy around Hinkley Point C

Over the past few years, challenges and controversy have surrounded the Hinkley Point C project in the UK. There have been concerns over the high costs, delays, and environmental and local community impacts.

Financial viability is a major concern due to the high costs and the above-market rates for its electricity output. This aspect has sparked debate about its implications for public investment and future energy pricing.

Adding to the challenges are construction delays, which have extended the project’s timeline and caused uncertainty in the UK’s transition to low-carbon energy sources. Communities have complained that twice the amount of funding used for the London Olympics to build nuclear power stations is excessive. As the construction finish date has been pushed back numerous times, questions were also raised about the projects’ management efficiency and cost implications.

There have also been concerns over the environmental impact. The challenge of safely managing and disposing of nuclear waste over its long, hazardous lifespan is a critical environmental issue, raising fears for long-term ecological damage. The extensive construction activities have disrupted local life, increasing traffic, noise, and air pollution.

The challenges of nuclear safety, security, and workforce skills are pivotal. Ensuring the highest safety standards and maintaining a skilled workforce for the nuclear power plant construction and operation phases demand constant observation and specialised training programs.

These issues and challenges have sparked debates about the future role of nuclear power in the UK’s energy mix, its cost-effectiveness, and the overall approach to major infrastructure projects.

The Hinkley Point C construction is a significant milestone in the UK’s energy sector that is crucial in supporting the country’s future energy needs while meeting the climate change goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Image Source: © EDF Energy 2023 | © EDF Energy 2023

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