The reactor at Hinkley Point C
What is an EPR?
EPRs – originally known as European Pressurised Water Reactors – are a type of Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR). The design of the UK EPRs that will be built at Hinkley Point C represents a major development on previous PWRs, making them amongst the safest and most efficient civil nuclear power generators ever designed.
The UK EPR design marks significant progress towards sustainability. It has been designed to use less uranium and produce almost a third less long-lived radioactive wastes compared with water reactors in operation today.
Tailored for the UK
The UK version of the EPR meets the most stringent safety and environmental protection standards, having gone through the UK’s rigorous, four-year Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) and Environment Agency (EA) Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process.
Since we want Hinkley Point C to be a world leading nuclear power station, EPR technology is the obvious world leading choice to power it.
Layout
The EPR turns the nuclear energy in uranium atoms into electrical energy that can be used in homes and businesses. When the nucleus of an atom is split (nuclear fission), the heat produced turns water into pressurised steam, which turns turbines and generates electricity. (The image shown below is indicative only).
Key
A: Reactor building
B: Four safeguard buildings
C: Fuel Building
D: Nuclear auxiliary building
E: Radioactive waste processing building
F: Emergency diesel generator building
G: Turbine building
H: Power transmission platform
I: Operator building
J: Pumphouse building
K: Outfall structure
L: Conventional electrical building
Key facts and figures
850,000 hours
of engineering studies were part of the rigorous four-year design approval process
17% less
The EPR's large core means it uses 17% less uranium than older technology
4
separate safety systems in the EPR protect against all hazards, including earthquakes and flooding
Contact us
The best way to contact us about Hinkley Point C is by completing our online enquiry form. You can also call us on 0333 009 7070 (24 hour free phone number).
For EDF's 24/7 media enquiry line call 01452 652233.