After a number of dormant years, the UK is re-energising its nuclear energy sector by agreeing to the construction of a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point in Somerset; the first in two decades.
The government have recognised the need for nuclear as part of the future low-carbon energy mix and Hinckley Point C will contribute to a lowering our overall new emissions target – the Committee on Climate Change recommends a reduction in CO2 intensity of electricity generation of over 80% by 2030.
The new station will be powered by two of the latest version of Areva’s EPR – (known as European Pressurised Water Reactors) producing a total of 3.2 Giga Watts of electricity, which equates to 7% of the total UK needs – producing enough electricity to supply 6 million homes over its anticipated lifespan of 60 years.
The project will be managed and financed by the French utility company EDF with backing from Chinese investment group CGN covering one-third of the estimated £18bn cost.
During the 10 year construction period there is projected to be a total of 25,000 jobs created with a peak of 5,600 construction workers on site and 1000 new apprenticeships created during the construction phase.
Additionally, the local infrastructure and community will benefit from the development – EDF Energy is investing almost £15 million in education, skills and employment in Somerset that includes a commitment to over £6 million for West Somerset Community College and Bridgwater College.
£100 million per year will be put into the regional economy during peak construction.
A new bypass will be created alongside a series of highway improvement schemes across the local road network in both improving and reducing the impact to the local area.
Energy Resourcing Europe influence
Energy Resourcing Europe has in depth experience of providing a range of innovative recruitment and contractor management services to power generation companies, consultancies, engineering design houses and major construction organisations across the energy sector. This puts us in a strong position to provide Hinkley Point C with the specialist professional engineering, project management, technical and support personnel required to provide the successful delivery of the project.
With two more nuclear power stations planned, Wylfa on Anglesey and Moorside in Cumbria, alongside other large infrastructure projects taking place in the UK, such as HS2 high-speed railway line, Cross Rail 2, and the expected new runway at Heathrow or Gatwick specialist professionals may be at a premium.
Energy Resourcing Europe is an international company, with offices in the UK and across the globe with a reputation of sourcing the best local talent combined with a global resource solution for major infrastructure projects.
We are currently serving Hinkley out of our Bristol office. As demand grows, we will open a local office dedicated to the Hinkley Point C project to better serve our Clients and Contractors alike. This will also help us to deliver one of our core values, to achieve the highest level of customer service with honesty and integrity throughout our operations and business practices.
Building on this, Energy Resourcing Europe’s local, national and international capacity and capabilities make us well placed to play an important role in supplying the engineering talent required not just for Hinkley Point C, but for all the UK major infrastructure projects planned in the future.
