Hinkley Point C

The Challenge

Since 2016, Tractebel has been an essential member of the S-ICOS-H consortium, alongside Egis and Setec, entrusted with the detailed civil engineering design of the European Pressurised Reactor (EPR) nuclear island buildings at Hinkley Point in the United Kingdom. This significant challenge involved supporting the largest infrastructure project in Europe, a cornerstone of the UK’s strategy for energy security and decarbonisation.

The Solution

Tractebel’s role in the ICOS mission includes delivering detailed structural calculations, developing digital concrete models using advanced Building Information Modelling (BIM), and producing comprehensive execution drawings for key sections of the nuclear island, including the reactor building, auxiliary building, and fuel-handling area.
Key milestones:

2011 – Ongoing: Basic design and optimisation studies
2015 – Ongoing: Detailed design (structural calculations and drawings)
2019 – Ongoing: Site Design Team—providing on-site engineering support and overseeing post hand-over design modifications

The Impact

Hinkley Point C is pivotal to the UK’s net-zero strategy, enhancing low-carbon electricity production through a balanced mix of renewable and nuclear energy. Once operational, the two EPR reactors, each generating 1,650 MW, will deliver clean, reliable, and cost-effective power, reducing the UK’s carbon emissions by 9 million tons annually and strengthening energy security.