The Hinkley Point C socio-economic report 2023 quantifies the wider positive social and economic impact of the project, and there’s lots to be proud of including:
- £5.3 billion directly with companies based in the South West – original target £1.5 billion
- 22,000 people across the UK working on Hinkley Point C
- 3,700 UK businesses in the Hinkley Point C supply chain
Supporting local business
Hinkley Point C is committed to supporting local businesses to work within the project. The report details the financial proof of success, highlighting how Somerset is seeing substantial growth in business activity – well above the average across the country and the highest in the South West region.
- £5.3 billion directly with companies based in the South West – far outstripping the original target of £1.5 billion.
- £139 million of community investment into local infrastructure and community support – beating another original target of £130 million.
- For every £1 spent on the project, £2.50 is generated in wider economic value for the local region
“A move to Net Zero is not just a tool to solve the climate crisis, it has become the primary economic tool to deliver growth, to restore industry and manufacturing, to create new jobs and regenerate regions and local communities”
Chris Skidmore, MP
A sustainable future
The nuclear power station is a huge part of Britain’s sustainable future, producing large volumes of low-carbon electricity. Alongside wind and solar power, nuclear power is crucial to achieving and fuelling a Net Zero future.
- Just 60 days to avoid the equivalent amount of CO2 released during its 10 year build – compared to burning gas
- Over its life, the power produced by Hinkley Point C will generate less CO2 than wind and solar.
- 9 million tonnes of CO2 will be avoided each year, when compared to electricity produced by a gas power station
The report also shares the landscape restoration project at the southern edge of the site. The land was originally for agriculture but has now been transformed into a biodiverse space for local people to enjoy.
Supporting new careers
The report shares a variety of inspirational stories from young apprentices and trainees starting out their career journeys at Hinkley Point C. Two thirds of apprentices are from the local area.
Read the full report to meet and learn more about:
Tilly Brown, 16, Business Administration Apprentice from Morecombe, Lancashire
Matt Danby, 24, Level 4 Chef Apprentice from Bridgwater, Somerset
Charlotte Casey, 22, Nuclear Engineering Apprentice, Bridgwater, Somerset
Centres for Excellence
In the context of a national skills shortage, Hinkley Point C prides itself on supporting quality work and training people to be their very best.
The site has established 3 centres for excellence
- The Mechanical Centre for Excellence
- The Welding Centre for Excellence
- The Electrical Centre for Excellence
Amal Jagadeesh, 28 is a Trainee Reactor Operator
“The training equipment on site is so advanced, it feels like we’re getting world-class training.”
Nicola Elle Giles, 33, is a Welding Apprentice
“I am loving my course – I am being shown all different types of welds and techniques”
Read the report to find out more about the bright individuals honing their craft within these centres.
Boosting British jobs and industry – now and in the future
A project the size and scale of Hinkley Point C needs to draw on expertise across the country. The vast opportunities created for individuals and organisations will extend beyond the lifecycle of the project. Transferable skills and experience will be of high value to future infrastructure and Net Zero projects.
- 22,000 jobs supported across the country
- 71,000 jobs supported by the end of construction
- £1.8 billion spent with companies across the North of England so far
The report gives more information and insight into the bright future that Hinkley Point C is providing – for businesses and individuals, locally and nationally.