NEW factories for Hinkley Point C near Bridgwater are reportedly providing proven evidence for a new approach to nuclear construction.
EDF states that the factories in Bristol have given a significant productivity boost by following a modular construction approach.
This means that larger pieces of the power station are being built in satellite factories and then lifted into place using some of the world’s largest cranes, such as Big Carl.
Laing O’Rourke’s new factory in Bristol Port (Avonmouth) has been producing the large steel reinforcement cages that strengthen concrete, and in turn cutting installation time at Hinkley Point C by 75 per cent, and shortening manufacturing time by 20 per cent.
Finished products are shipped directly to Hinkley Point’s jetty, reducing local road traffic.
Stuart Crooks, Hinkley Point C Managing Director, said this model is a game-changer for the nuclear sector: "The manufacturing model we’ve established here will be good for Hinkley Point C, great for Sizewell C, and sets a whole new direction for the nuclear sector."
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