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EPR UK – Hinkley Point C

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Hinkley Point C (HPC) – Nuclear New Build, UK

Client: EPR-E

Consortium: I-COS-H (Setec, Egis, Tractebel)

Location: Somerset, near Bristol, United Kingdom

Services Delivered: Detailed Design, Site Design Liaison, Design Assurance

Duration: Ongoing

Hinkley Point C (HPC) is the third nuclear power station to be built on the Hinkley Point site in Somerset, near Bristol. As one of Europe’s most significant low-carbon energy projects, HPC features two European Pressurised Reactors (EPRs), designed to supply safe, reliable, and sustainable electricity to around six million homes.

Setec’s Role

Setec has been deeply involved in HPC for several years as part of the I-COS-H consortium, working in partnership with Egis and Tractebel. Together, the consortium brings the combined expertise of Setec Nuclear, Setec Consulting Engineers (UK), and Setec MTP, providing integrated engineering support across design and construction phases.

Our activities have included:

  • UK1220 and UK1221 Contracts: detailed design of the nuclear island buildings, covering the reactor building, safeguard buildings, and auxiliary structures.
  • Contract 1229 (SDLT – Site Design Liaison Team): providing ongoing support during construction, monitoring design activities, and ensuring all changes in methods, sequences, or conditions are captured in design documentation.

Design Challenges

The HPC project presents a unique set of challenges due to its scale, technical complexity, and nuclear safety requirements:

  • Maintaining Design Intent: ensuring that on-site construction activities remain fully aligned with the original design and safety cases.
  • Adapting to Site Conditions: capturing and integrating changes resulting from construction sequences, temporary works, or unforeseen site conditions.
  • Nuclear Safety Assurance: guaranteeing traceability and compliance with both UK regulations and international nuclear standards.

Added Value by Setec

  • Design Liaison Expertise: acting as the link between design offices and site teams, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and technical compliance.
  • Multidisciplinary Capability: delivering expertise across structural, civil, geotechnical, and nuclear engineering, with full alignment to Eurocodes and UK nuclear regulations.
  • Continuity of Engagement: building on previous contracts (UK1220/1221) to ensure seamless transition from design into construction and commissioning.
  • Safety & Reliability: supporting one of Europe’s largest low-carbon energy programmes with rigorous nuclear safety assurance.

Outcome

Through its long-term contribution to HPC within the I-COS-H consortium, Setec has established itself as a trusted engineering partner in the UK nuclear sector. Our work ensures that HPC’s designs remain technically sound, compliant, and buildable throughout construction..

Hinkley Point C represents not only a cornerstone of the UK’s future energy supply but also a demonstration of Setec’s ability to deliver safety-critical, multidisciplinary infrastructure projects of global significance.