EDF Energy is building the first new nuclear power station in the UK for a generation at Hinkley Point in Somerset. The plant is predicted to cost £18bn to build, most of which will be financed by the French utility company EDF.
Hinkley Point C will be built next to the two existing facilities, A and B, and will be the largest construction site in Europe. Hinkley A was decommissioned in 2000, and Hinkley B is due to be decommissioned in 2023.
Once complete, Hinkley C will deliver 7% of the UK’s electricity, when most other nuclear power stations will have closed down. The construction is expected to provide 25,000 jobs, whilst the finished power plant will employ 900 people.
Vincent de Rivaz, CEO of EDF Energy outlines his confidence in Hinkley Point C by stating that:
“Nuclear energy has a crucial role to play in security of energy supply and tackling climate change. There is no solution for the UK without new nuclear in the mix. And Hinkley Point C is the necessary first step in the roll out of new nuclear. Since 2010, 25% of the UK’s electricity generation capacity has closed. By the end of 2030, a further 40% of that 2010 capacity will close, including all but one of our current nuclear power stations.”
“First operation of Hinkley Point C is scheduled for the end of 2025, just as our existing plants are scheduled to begin to close.”
“There is an urgent need for new electricity generating capacity, and for that to be low carbon. Hinkley Point C is vital to the UK’s ability to meet the ambitions of the COP 21 climate conference, and to the UK’s fifth Carbon Budget, just as it is vital for security of supply.”
The first electricity from Hinkley Point C is due to be produced in 2025. Consumers pay nothing until electricity is produced and investors take the risk of constructing the power station on time and budget.
The deal struck with EDF Energy to build Britain’s first new nuclear power project has been heavily criticised by experts and the National Audit Office because it guarantees the company a revenue above current market prices.
This consequently has resulted in the Government now considering scrapping the complex funding arrangements used in the development of Hinkley Point C as Richard Harrington, a Junior Minister in the Business and Energy Department, has said the deal is now unlikely to be used again.
Maggie Brown – Innovation Manager at EDF Energy Hinkley Point will be speaking at Explore Offsite Infrastructure covering Hinkley Point C as one of her case studies.
Maggie Brown will be joined at Explore Offsite Infrastructure by an outstanding speaker line-up that includes: Joshua Southern, Associate Director - KPMG; John Spittle, UK Representative - Wiehag; David Bray and Mark Berg - Highways England; Steve Kaye, Head of Innovation - Anglian Water; Paul Newby- Executive Engineering Services Director - SES Engineering Services; Gordon Cullen – Contracts Manager - SES Engineering Services; John Roberts - Civil Director, Engineering Excellence Group - Laing O'Rourke; Phil Wilbraham – Development Director– Heathrow Airport. For the full list of speakers go to: http://exploreoffsite.co.uk/2017-events/explore-offsite/conference-speakers
Taking place on 05 December 2017 at the NEC in Birmingham, this combined conference and exhibition will present pioneering case studies of civil engineering projects that have used offsite technology to deliver infrastructure schemes on programme and budget. Explore Offsite Infrastructure provides a dynamic and interactive learning experience for all delegates through presentations and the wide array of exhibitors. Tickets cost £125 + vat to include parking, refreshments and lunch - to find our more or to secure your place at Explore Offsite Infrastructure go to: www.exploreoffsite.co.uk/book
