Lesson 1 1.6 Nuclear Energy in the UK

Hinkley Point C (HPC) is the first new nuclear power station to be built in the UK in over 20 years. Key facts:

  • Location: Hinkley Point, Somerset
  • Reactor type: 2 x Areva EPR (European Pressurised Reactor)
  • Total capacity: ~3.2 GWe
  • Developer: EDF Energy (with CGN as minority investor)
  • Construction start: 2018 (main nuclear concrete)
  • Expected operation: Currently projected for 2029—2031 (subject to delays and cost increases)
  • Contract: Contracts for Difference (CfD) strike price agreed with UK Government
  • Significance: Will supply ~7% of UK electricity demand

A nuclear site licence was issued by ONR in November 2012. HPC has experienced significant cost increases and schedule delays, but remains the UK’s flagship new nuclear project.