The future of nuclear power
EDF is leading the UK's nuclear renaissance with the construction of a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C, and plans for Sizewell C in Suffolk. Hinkley Point C will provide low carbon electricity to meet 7% of UK demand.
The future of nuclear power
EDF is leading the UK's nuclear renaissance with the construction of a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C, and plans for Sizewell C in Suffolk. Hinkley Point C will provide low carbon electricity to meet 7% of UK demand.
A new generation of nuclear power stations
The energy challenge ahead
The UK urgently needs new investment in energy infrastructure to replace old and polluting electricity generation sources. Since 2010 26 power stations have closed, which equates to 20% of the UK’s generation capacity. By 2030 a further 35% of existing generation capacity will close down. We’re committed to providing a clean, secure and reliable solution to this problem, and we believe nuclear power has an important role to play. Nuclear is the most affordable large-scale, low carbon energy source available to the UK.
A new kind of power station
We’re investing in the next generation of nuclear power stations. Hinkley Point C in Somerset is the first of these developments. Once operational, it will provide electricity to over 6 million homes for the next 60 years. We also have plans for Sizewell C in Suffolk.
But we know that to really succeed, it takes much more than bricks and mortar. Any nuclear power station depends on a huge team of dedicated and skilled people. There’s a need for more scientists and engineers in the UK, along with the the promotion of subjects like science and engineering in our schools to nurture homegrown talent.
How does new nuclear benefit the community?
Science in the classroom
In a world where climate change is undoubtedly one of the biggest challenges the next generation will face, it’s never too young to learn about the importance of sustainability. Our award-winning schools initiative the Hinkley Point C Inspire Education Programme is bringing important topics like energy, waste transport, biodiversity and climate change to life for the next generation through science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Apprenticeships and training
Our hands-on apprenticeship and trainee courses – in everything from engineering to business skills - give young people the chance to get stuck into a career straight after leaving school. Our apprentices are treated as one of the team, and are given a salary, meals and accommodation, holidays and other benefits.
People power
The construction of Hinkley Point C is a huge undertaking. At its peak, there will be around 5,600 people working at Hinkley and 900 throughout the station's 60-year life span.
We're investing almost £15 million in training, education and skills to make sure local people can benefit from the skills and employment opportunities Hinkley Point C brings.
Local jobs
From the technical challenges of building and maintaining nuclear power stations to managing a rapidly changing business, few organisations offer the scale and scope of EDF Energy. Hinkley Point C and our other planned nuclear power station sites will create local jobs for the UK's best and brightest nuclear engineers and scientists.
Hand in hand with the environment
Developments like Hinkley Point C create countless opportunities for skills, jobs and education. But it’s no secret that they can also create some upheaval. As a company, we have a vital responsibility to protect and add to the environment around us both now and into the future.
We are focused on reducing carbon emissions, reducing the volumes of materials being used, managing our water resources effectively, reducing and reusing waste, whilst also protecting and increasing biodiversity.
We’re currently providing grants to local communities, farmers, landowners and individuals in the Greater Quantock area. These grants will help fund projects like tree planting, woodland management and dry stone wall restoration. We’re also playing our part to help wildlife thrive, for example, we’re creating 13 half acres of bat foraging grassland and safely relocating badgers away from our construction site.
Find out more about the wider social and economic benefits of nuclear power.
Find out more about nuclear energy
Nuclear lifetime management
EDF's lifetime strategy is to seek life extensions for all its nuclear stations, where it is safe and commercially viable.
What is nuclear energy?
Find out what nuclear energy is and how it's produced.
How we generate nuclear power safely
Safety is our number one priority. Find out how we keep you, our employees and the environment safe from harm.