Project will bring thousands of jobs, a huge economic boost and massive amounts of ultra-low carbon electricity
GMB, the energy union has hailed the jobs an economic boost brought by Hinkley Point C as the nuclear reactor reaches its latest milestone.
EDF has today announced the completion of the base for the first reactor, known as “J-zero”, means that the construction of the nuclear buildings above ground can now begin in earnest.
For the 12 months from 7 March 2017, every one in 5.6 days was a low wind day (65 days in total) when the output of the installed and connected wind turbines in the UK produced less than 10% of their installed and connected capacity for more than half of the day. For 341 days in the year, solar output was below 10% of installed capacity for more than half of the day.
#Hinkley Point C has hit its biggest milestone yet – the completion of the base for the first reactor.
— Hinkley Point C (@edfehinkleyc) June 28, 2019
This key milestone means that the construction of the nuclear buildings above ground can now begin.
Read more: https://t.co/6D9G1ARlXP #BuiltByUs pic.twitter.com/rrSQgXonK1
Justin Bowden, GMB National Secretary for Energy, said:
“The Hinkley Point C project is bringing thousands of jobs, a huge economic boost to the UK and will generate massive amounts of ultra-low carbon electricity for decades to come.
“It is great news that Hinkley Point C is being built and is on time.
“But if the UK is serious about becoming a carbon free economy then, starting with Sizewell C in Suffolk, we need at least another six new nuclear power stations for their reliable electricity as part of a balanced energy mix alongside green hydrogen gas and intermittent sources likes wind and solar.”
Jude Brimble, GMB National Secretary for Construction, said:
“In celebrating this major milestone, it’s right we pay tribute to the skills and dedication of the construction teams, who have delivered a highly complex operation on schedule.
“The HPC project demonstrates the value of having a well-trained and highly-skilled construction workforce.
“GMB looks forward to continued working with all HPC stakeholders to ensure the project continues to invest and deliver the skills needed across construction and to build a new generation of nuclear reactor.”
