Project Highlight: Hinkley Point C

Nestled in the heart of Somerset, England, the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station (HPC) is on its way to becoming one of the cornerstones of the United Kingdom’s energy infrastructure. This monumental project, spearheaded by EDF Energy, the UK subsidiary of the French state-owned entity Électricité de France (EDF), is poised to revolutionize the way we think about power generation.
With its two robust 3.2 GW EPR nuclear units, Hinkley Point C is not just a marvel of modern engineering but a beacon of sustainable energy, promising to light up approximately 6 million homes across the UK. This initiative is a testament to the UK government’s commitment to bolstering energy security while seamlessly transitioning to a greener, low-carbon energy paradigm.
Beyond its environment benefits, Hinkley Point C stands as a catalyst for economic rejuvenation and is supporting a staggering 22,000 job opportunities during its construction phase. This surge in employment is generating regional economic growth and opening a plethora of opportunities for local communities and British businesses.
Halton has been entrusted with manufacturing critical nuclear dampers at its facility in Pontypool, Wales. Byron Clarke, Managing Director of Halton Wales, shares his insights into the project’s scale and its implications for the nuclear sector. “The construction of Hinkley Point C has propelled us to ramp up our manufacturing capabilities, reflecting the dynamic nature of the nuclear industry,” Clarke notes.
As Hinkley Point C edges closer to completion, its role in mitigating carbon emissions becomes ever more crucial, with an expected reduction of nine million tonnes of CO2 annually. This aligns with Halton’s commitment to quality and safety, as evidenced by the rigorous testing and qualification processes our products undergo to meet the nuclear industry’s exacting standards.

Byron Clarke notes that Halton is honored to have the opportunity to supply robust products for (HVAC) systems to Axima that is directly involved in the Hinkley Point C project

In 2023 alone, Halton successfully delivered nearly 1,200 Control dampers, a testament to our team’s dedication and the collaborative effort across our engineering, R&D, and project management divisions. With over 51,000 production hours dedicated to the HPC project to date, and significant investments in cutting-edge technology and talent for 2024, Halton is poised for continued growth and innovation.
Looking ahead, the successful execution of the HPC project positions Halton Wales favourably for future opportunities, including the prospective SZC Sizewell project. This not only underscores Halton’s expertise in the field but also reinforces our commitment to advancing the UK’s nuclear energy capabilities.
As Hinkley Point C prepares to power millions of homes, its legacy extends beyond energy generation. It symbolizes a future where sustainable power and economic prosperity go hand in hand, a vision that Halton is proud to be a part of.