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Energy — nuclear
Energy — nuclearNuclear

Hinkley Point C (M&E Works)

Somerset, UK · 2017-2031 · £50bn (2026 prices) - part of overall project cost

The judgement call

Account-gated at launch

Challenges in mechanical and electrical installation work identified as a significant contributor to project delays. - Importance of early and robust integration planning for M&E systems. - Need for highly skilled workforce for specialized nuclear M&E installations.

Key engineering challenges

Integrating vast and complex mechanical, electrical, and HVAC systems within strict nuclear safety parameters. - Managing a large and diverse supply chain for specialized M&E components. - Overcoming delays and cost increases associated with complex installation and commissioning. - Ensuring precise installation and testing of safety-critical systems.

Project facts

Client / owner
EDF Energy, CGN
Lead contractor
MEH Alliance (Balfour Beatty, Cavendish Nuclear, Alstom), BGEN (E&I for GE Steam Power Systems)
Lead designers
AtkinsRéalis, Egis
Project type
new build
Scale
3.2 GW (2 EPR reactors)
Disciplines
mechanical; electrical; nuclear; process; HVAC; instrumentation
Standards & frameworks
ONR, CDM, Eurocodes

Sources: Wikipedia: Hinkley Point C nuclear power station (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinkley_Point_C_nuclear_power_station) - MEH Alliance: MEH Alliance (https://www.mehalliance.co.uk/) - PowerMag: Massive Electrical and Instrumentation Contract Awarded for Hinkley Point C Nuclear Power Project (https://www.powermag.com/massive-electrical-and-instrumentation-contract-awarded-for-hinkley-point-c-nuclear-power-project/) - Construction Enquirer: M&E expert returns to run Hinkley Point C (https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2026/03/25/me-expert-returns-to-run-hinkley-point-c/) - CCEMagazine: Hinkley Point C delays raise fresh questions over Britain's energy strategy (https://ccemagazine.com/news/hinkley-point-c-delays-raise-fresh-questions-over-britains-energy-strategy/)