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After waiting several years to get the project off the ground, it’s hard to believe that the first new nuclear power station in the UK in over 20 years is now well into its construction stage. We look back at Hinkley Point C 5 years on, and see what’s next for the future of UK nuclear new build.
Project Snapshot
Location: Bridgwater, Somerset
Developer: EDF Energy
Estimated start-up: June 2026
Value of project: £2.9bn
Delivering innovation and jobs
Hinkley Point C is a truly collaborative project, with EDF and their supply chain partners keen to work with both local businesses and global engineering experts to ensure the project is delivered to the highest of standards.
It’s also provided a fantastic opportunity to generate skilled work for the UK in the nuclear sector, including advancing supporting disciplines such as construction and infrastructure. As the project nears the half way mark, 22,000 people are engaged across Britain to support the project – including 6,300 people onsite. More significantly this number includes 800 apprentice opportunities, which plays a vital part in bringing new people into the UK’s nuclear sector.
In total it’s expected that 74,000 people will be needed to support the full construction phase of the project. Anyone interested in registering to hear about future roles NRL may have to support this project, can visit our project page to speculatively submit their CV to our team.
Delivering milestones and achievements
To mark the 5 year mark, EDF recently provided a project update, to show the progress already made onsite.
Alongside the project build there’s also been a fair share of milestones, including installing 3.5 miles of cooling tunnels and the country’s first T-pylon – the National Grid’s first new design in nearly 100 years.
Delivering Sizewell C, the UK’s next nuclear power station
As new techniques are developed and efficiencies are identified on the Hinkley Point C project, they will shape future nuclear new build plans, including Sizewell C which is currently seeking planning permission.
When approved, Sizewell C will be constructed at EDF’s site in Leiston, Suffolk. Providing opportunities to upskill existing workers on Sizewell B as well as bringing new jobs and crucial apprenticeships opportunities to the area.
Constructing a second nuclear new build site in the UK, will also support the UK Government’s net zero plans, helping to further reduce the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels.
The Sizewell C Consortium, brings together organisations from across the UK’s nuclear supply chain – from owner operators, to contractors and manufacturers. Over 200 companies are part of the consortium, each keen to support the progression of the Sizewell C project, recognising the significant value it will provide to continue to progress clean nuclear energy in the UK.
Leading organisations include Doosan Babcock, Laing O’Rourke, Atkins, Jacobs and Mott McDonald. The NRL Group are proud to support this important initiative, knowing the wide range of benefits the construction of Sizewell C will provide for our UK workforce. You can find out more about the Sizewell C Consortium on our dedicated page.