Hinkley Point C - breaking new ground for UK nuclear energy

Speaker: Dr Nigel Knee, EDF

The lecture will consider the reasons why the Government has a clear policy that new nuclear power stations should have a role in meeting the country’s future electricity needs and making the transition to a low carbon economy. EDF Energy has now made the decision to build a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C in Somerset, and to develop plans for new reactors at Sizewell in Suffolk and Bradwell in Essex, working in partnership with CGN of China. This lecture will cover the steps involved in taking forward a policy for nuclear new build, the development phase for such mega-projects and establishing project organisations capable of delivery. This will include the factors to be considered when selecting sites for new nuclear power stations; the planning, consenting and licensing processes; financing; organisational design and contractual frameworks. Progress with Hinkley Point C and other projects will be described, and an outline given of some of the key features of the pressurised water reactor technology at the heart of the power plant.”

This talk is part of the Engineering Department Nuclear Energy Seminars series.