By rosebell
The UK’s Sizewell C nuclear power plant has secured planning permission for a tunnel segment production facility in Avonmouth, Bristol.
The factory will manufacture the 38,000 pre-cast concrete segments, as well as tunnel heads, for Sizewell C’s three marine tunnels. The completed components will be transported to the Sizewell C construction site in Suffolk by rail and sea, supporting the project’s commitment to move at least 60% of construction materials by rail and sea.
Subject to conditions being met, production of the tunnel segments and heads is expected to begin in 2028.
Located around 10km north-west of Bristol city centre, the development builds on the tunnel production facility delivered at the same site for Hinkley Point C, Sizewell C’s sister project in Somerset.
Expanding the existing site includes building temporary supporting infrastructure such as concrete batching plants, cranes, offices, welfare facilities, storage areas and parking.
Sizewell C says the facility will draw on proven expertise and innovation gained at Hinkley Point C, create skilled jobs and leave a legacy of engineering and manufacturing capability across the south-west.
Hinkley Point C in Somerset is the first nuclear power station to be built in the UK for a generation. The 3.2GW Sizewell C will use the same design and will house the third and fourth in a series of UK European pressurised reactors (EPR).
Early works for the £14.2bn (€16.5bn) project are under way. Sizewell C’s delivery partner, the Civil Works Alliance (CWA) comprising Balfour Beatty, Laing O’Rourke and Bouygues Travaux Publics, has commenced early works for the project.
Sizewell C CEO Nigel Cann said the segment production facility was an example of using experience and knowledge from Hinkley Point C.
“It’s another great example of how we’re using the learnings from Hinkley Point C, which has seen significant advancements through off-site prefabrication, and taking them to the next level. By reusing existing infrastructure and experienced teams, we can reap the benefits across safety, quality, cost, and schedule,” he said.
An Employment and Skills Plan will be delivered by the CWA in partnership with local authorities, education providers and industry partners to maximise opportunities for local people. The programme will focus on promoting careers in construction, engineering and the nuclear sector through engagement with local schools; expanding access to apprenticeships, work experience placements, internships, graduate programmes and vocational training; and supporting under-represented groups and those facing barriers to employment.
