Hinkley Point C isEDF ‘s major new nuclear build project near Bridgwater in Somerset, UK. Initiated in December 2018, the site will comprise two 1630 MWe EPR reactors. These reactors should be operational by 2030, providing power for 6 million homes for at least 60 years. Originally scheduled to start in 2025, the completion date and budget have been revised to 2030 and between GBP 31 and 34 billion.
Impact on training and employment
To date, 1,320 apprentices have been trained in various fields, including hospitality, accounting and project management. The project significantly improves productivity in Bridgwater, making it 10% more productive than neighboring towns. On-site Centers of Excellence have trained 7,885 people in skills such as welding and construction, with plans to train 30,000 over the life of the project.
Economic contributions and job creation
Hinkley Point C is expected to provide 900 permanent jobs for over 60 years, improving job security in the region. The project has already involved 3,800 UK companies in its supply chain, with GBP 7.3 billion spent with regional businesses to date.
Long-term objectives and community benefits
Stuart Crooks, Managing Director of Hinkley Point C, highlights the project’s commitment as a 100-year investment in the region, emphasizing its role in reversing youth migration by increasing local opportunities. The community will experience a significant socio-economic uplift, including a net biodiversity gain of 55.15% for habitat units and 9.72% for hedgerow units.
Tom Greatrex, CEO of the UK Nuclear Association, supports the findings and discusses the potential for a similar project at Sizewell C, highlighting the need for a final investment decision by the government to unlock these same benefits for the East of England and continue the renaissance of the British industrial workforce.
