France’s EDF supplying two EPR units for project with first scheduled to begin operation in 2029
The first of eight 520-tonne steam generators for the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station under construction in Somerset, southwest England, has been delivered to the site after arriving by sea and road.
The 25m long steam generators will take heat from the nuclear reactors to create steam to power the world’s largest turbines.
The generator’s arrival is in time for the fit-out of the new power station, which will see the first nuclear reactor installed later this year, EDF Energy said in a statement on 13 May.
The steam generator travelled the final four miles by road transporter after arriving from Avonmouth at Combwich Wharf on the River Parrett in Somerset.
Four steam generators will be placed in each reactor building, operating at an average temperature of 295°C for at least 60 years. Their design, manufacturing and testing took six years.
France’s state-owned EDF is providing two EPR nuclear plants for Hinkley Point C.
The project has been delayed until 2029 at the earliest, with the cost potentially increasing to as much as £46bn at today’s prices and EDF blaming Covid, Brexit and inflation.
When approval was first given in 2016 the cost was estimated at £18bn.
Under EDF’s latest scenario, one of the two planned units could be operational in 2029.
Once Hinkley Point C is complete, it is expected to generate enough electricity to supply some six million homes for 60 years.
The steam generator had arrived from Avonmouth at Combwich Wharf on the River Parrett in Somerset.Courtesy EDF Energy.
