Valve World Magazine September 2022 | Page 13

Project report
Sizewell C will be modelled on Hinkley Point C . Shown are the main mechanical erection
contracts for Hinkley Point C .
Free issue valves
20,000
Pipework for over 60 process systems on nuclear island
210 km
Free issue pumps
200
Free issue heat exchangers
42
Free issue filters
86
Free issue tanks
120
Free issue demineralising units
18
Source : Nuclear Exchange
low carbon electricity to around six million homes . Julia Pyke , Sizewell C ’ s Financing Director , said : “ Energy costs will be lower with nuclear in the mix , so today ’ s decision is good news for bill-payers . The tried and tested funding arrangement we are proposing means that consumers will benefit in the long-term by paying a small amount during construction ”.
European Pressurised Water Reactors ( EPRs ) are a type of Pressurised Water Reactor . Image © EDF
“ Sizewell C will give a big boost to jobs and skills in nuclear supply chain companies across the country . It will strengthen the UK ’ s energy security and play a key role in our fight against climate change ”.
EPR design
EPRs – originally known as European Pressurised Water Reactors – are a type of Pressurised Water Reactor ( PWR ). The UK EPR design being used for Sizewell C is the same as at Hinkley Point C in Somerset ; copying an existing design lowers construction and financing costs . The EPR is a proven technology which is already operating at Taishan in China . EDF describes it as a major evolution of previous PWR designs , and that Sizewell C and Hinkley Point C will be among the safest and most efficient nuclear plants ever built . The UK EPR meets the most stringent safety and environmental standards . It will use less uranium and produce almost a third less long-lived radioactive waste compared to other water reactors in operation today . As part of the Generic Design Assessment ( GDA ), the UK EPR design underwent years of evaluation by the Office for Nuclear Regulation and Environment Agency . Over 850,000 hours of engineering studies were undertaken as part of the rigorous four-year design approval process .
The world ’ s biggest crane , ‘ Big Carl ’, in action in November 2021 , lifting the first huge steel ring section onto the second nuclear reactor building at Hinkley Point C . Sizewell C will be a carbon copy of the Hinkley Point C power station .
Join the Sizewell C supply chain
Suffolk Chamber of Commerce and EDF are working to build a robust local and regional supply chain to ensure Suffolk and the East of England benefit from the economic boost . To do this , the Sizewell C Supply Chain Team is asking interested local and regional companies from all backgrounds to come forward . Sizewell C has also launched a jobs portal for those seeking employment on the project . Equipment suppliers and job seekers can register their interest at : www . sizewellcsupplychain . co . uk / www . valve-world . net Valve World September 2022
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