There is a wealth of opportunity to secure work on Hinkley Point C, We answer the main questions people ask about this high-profile project and career opportunities to join the first nuclear new project that UK has seen in decades.
Where is Hinkley Point C?
Hinkley Point C is a new power station under construction in Bridgwater, Somerset. It’s a town that has a long history when it comes to nuclear power.
Hinkley Point B’s reactors were fully shutdown by August 2022, having started generating power in 1976. It was the first Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor of its kind in the UK, marking an innovation in the nuclear power sector. Hinkley Point A was decommissioned in 2000 after providing the UK with Nuclear power since 1965.
Hinkley Point C’s new design aims to provide cleaner, greener power production to meet net zero emissions goals.
What is Hinkley Point C?
Two Nuclear reactors are being constructed; this is the first of a new generation of power stations that will provide low-carbon electricity to the United Kingdom.
Why is Hinkley Point C being built?
The Government has committed to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 80% by 2025, this is in comparison to the emission levels of 1990.
The electricity that will be generated by Hinkley Point will help support the Government’s emission reduction targets as part of a wider energy transition strategy. Nuclear power is a low-carbon alternative to generating electricity that will support the government’s decarbonisation target.
Who is building Hinkley Point C?
Various engineering companies are involved in the construction of Hinkley Point C, including AMEC; Rolls-Royce; Jacobs; BYLOR (a joint venture between Bouygues and Laing O’Rourke); Wood; Kier; Bam Nuttall; Framatome; Balfour Beatty; Mace; ABB; KBR; Nuvia; Cavendish Nuclear; Altrad; Bilfinger; Kaefer; Tecnatom; and Exyte Hargreaves.
Who owns Hinkley Point C?
The new nuclear power station is being built for EDF Energy to operate, and it will join its nationwide fleet of stations connected to the grid. They hold a 67.7% equity in the power station, with the China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) holding the remaining 32.3%.
Hinkley Point C’s project value is estimated at $58.4 million, making it a significant investment and display of support for nuclear power from EDF Energy.
How much energy will Hinkley Point C produce?
The new Hinkley Point C power station will house two 1,600MW European Pressurised Reactors (EPRs), providing a combined power of 3,200MW across the two nuclear reactor units.
How many homes will Hinkley Point C power?
Hinkley Point C is expected to provide low-carbon energy to over 6 million UK homes over its 60-yearanticipated lifespan.
Thanks to the stability of nuclear power, in comparison to natural energy sources such as wind and solar, consistent and reliable power generation can be pushed into the grid.
When did Hinkley Point C start?
Construction of Hinkley Point C started in June 2016 following approval by the European Commission in October 2014.
How big is Hinkley Point C?
Around 5,600 people are expected to be employed on the construction project at peak, which gives some scale to the size of the undertaking.
The construction site spans 175 hectares, 230,000 tonnes of steel reinforcements will be used, 3 million tonnes of concrete, and earth excavated to accommodate the new power station is expected to reach 4 million cubic metres.
When will Hinkley Point C be finished?
In January 2024, project representatives estimated that completion of the new power station could be delayed until 2031, depending on the progress of key project milestones.
How can I find work on Hinkley Point C?
Job opportunities are expected across multiple contractors, including direct roles on the project in Somerset, and supply chain opportunities at manufacturing and fabrication at sites across the UK.
Our Recruitment teams here at NRL are supporting clients with packages of work on the Hinkley Point C project across the construction build, and candidates are encouraged to register their interest in Hinkley Point C job opportunities through our dedicated page.
Do I need previous experience in the nuclear industry to apply for a job at Hinkley Point C?
The Nuclear new-build sector has a lot more to offer than just nuclear engineering roles.
In the current nuclear new-build market, there are several varied roles required including civils, logistics, construction and planning.
You can find out more about non-nuclear roles on Hinkley Point C here.
If you’re new to the nuclear sector, you may also find our jargon dictionary helpful.
Are there opportunities for women to work on Hinkley Point C?
Absolutely. In the past the nuclear sector has been predominately male, but engineering companies are now providing a wealth of training and support to welcome women with transferable skills to take up roles in the nuclear sector.
Here at NRL as an Inclusive+ Recruiter, we’re committed to helping women into the nuclear sector, and welcome applications from all walks of life.
You can read more about why our Director Rebecca Graves, who’s celebrated a 15+ year career in nuclear, is passionate about addressing the gender balance.