The Bylor (Bouygues Laing O’Rourke) consortium working on the construction of Hinkley Point C nuclear power station is approaching a hold point next month (November) prior to the installation of M&E and HVAC systems at the site.
The construction team at the power station project, which was given the green light to start five years ago, will have to gain approval for the next major phase of works from the regulator by proving that it has the arrangements and capability in place to move forward.
Once the project enters the next phase, the number working on site could rise from 6,300 today to 8,500 over the next 18 months. So far, 800 apprentices have also been trained on the project.
Meanwhile, the next prefabricated, 17m-high section of the first reactor building is complete and ready to be lifted into place by the world’s biggest crane, dubbed ‘Big Carl’. Work to build the 16m-high floor for the first turbine and generator is also underway before the arrival of the reactor turbine ‘Arabelle’, which arrives later this year.
A total of 3.5 miles of cooling tunnels have also been completed and six 5,000t water intake heads are ready for installation. Work to install 230 miles of pipes and 5,500 miles of cables is also underway.
Hinkley Point C managing director Stuart Crooks said: “Hinkley Point C is essential in the fight against climate change and for Britain’s energy security. It is delivering on its promise of boosting British jobs, skills and industry across the country.
“Covid-19 has challenged the project and its suppliers and I am proud of the enormous efforts made to keep the site safe and moving ahead. As we emerge from the worst of the pandemic, we can now create more jobs as we step up construction and manufacturing for the next phase of the project.”
