to nuclear new build at Hinkley Point C

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1 Pluggedin to nuclear new build at Hinkley Point C February 2014 Hinkley lends a helping hand: Stogursey students enjoy new outdoor classroom Inside this issue of Plugged in: Cementing our partnerships: new firms set to join HPC project...3 PM welcome: David Cameron visits Hinkley Point C Post Fukushima: EDF Energy's resilience programme...8

2 Notes from Nigel Welcome to our first community newsletter of Thanks to the feedback from our readers it s got a new look and feel which I hope you ll like. Inside you ll find a summary of the momentous occasion when the Prime Minister visited Hinkley Point to announce the agreements we ve reached with Government. David Cameron was especially interested in hearing from our apprentices who aspire to work at Hinkley Point C. The future of the UK nuclear industry remains a priority for Government as the safe, affordable, low carbon power we ll generate will benefit the entire country. Ahead of us this year is the completion of the EU review on our agreements with Government and, with our new partners, we need to make the final investment decision on the project. So there is plenty still to do before we start building the power station, but we re progressing steadily and completing important steps to pave the way. We re investing 16 million on improvements to roads in Somerset, and inside we share detail on a major improvement to the between Bridgwater and Cannington that we re starting soon. We also share highlights from our Helping Hands week at Stogursey Primary School where, I m proud to say, we created something special for the young people of the village. Through Plugged in and our visitor centre in Bridgwater town centre, we strive to keep you informed about the progress we re making, the challenges we face and the real contribution we re making in our communities. If you have any questions, or would like to know more, please contact us using any of the below. Until next time, Nigel Cann Site Construction Director Hinkley Point C in brief Recruiting the future generation Apprentice applications closed at the end of January with 55 budding young recruits taken on for the four year scheme. Apprentices will work at each of EDF Energy's UK sites, including around six who will be based at Hinkley Point. Building our Industrial Future In December, EDF Energy and its main delivery partners met with hundreds of suppliers at a National Supply Chain Conference to help them understand how to win contracts at the proposed Hinkley Point C nuclear power station. Congratulations Our congratulations to Rebecca Dunn who took part in last edition s newsletter survey and won a Kindle Fire. Westminster views The Energy Minister, Michael Fallon, has been a strong supporter of the project, and gave a keynote speech to EDF Energy s supply chain conference in December in London. He also announced that Government would make up to 13 million available for innovations to help UK-based businesses seize the opportunities from the UK s new nuclear programme. Government has also steered legislation through Parliament to allow the electricity market to be reformed and to create a fully independent regulator for nuclear safety and security the Office for Nuclear Regulation. The Energy Act 2013 became law on 18 December Cementing our partnerships EDF Group has moved ahead with securing new partners for the financing of Hinkley Point C. The proposed partnership is made up of: EDF Group, AREVA, China General Nuclear Corporation (CGN) and China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC). Work still has to be done to finalise all the details of the market reforms which are needed for major investments to go ahead, but the framework is now in place. Government has also taken a special interest in ensuring that the Somerset economy maximises the benefits from Hinkley Point C by chairing the Hinkley Strategic Delivery Forum. This Forum brings together local authorities, local businesses and education providers with central Government to make the most of the opportunity. taking a stake in the development of the next generation of British nuclear power. Investment from any country has to comply with rigorous regulatory standards for safety and security. EDF Group will maintain a central role in the design and engineering of Hinkley Point C. Above In his speech, Michael Fallon MP said: This is part of a drive to grow a robust and sustainable UK supply chain by developing innovative products and services for the nuclear sector. The initiative will focus on key technology areas such as construction, manufacturing, operation, maintenance and decommissioning and waste. Getting in touch with us Visit hinkley-enquiries@edf-energy.com Call us Visit us EDF Energy Visitor Centre, Angel Place Shopping Centre, Bridgwater, TA6 3TQ Tweet Top of the class EDF Energy has been awarded Bristol, Bath & Somerset's Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) Company of the Year by Graphic Science in recoginition of the company's continued commitment to education and STEM enrichment across the region. Discussions are also taking place with a shortlist of other interested parties. EDF Group has been partnering with Chinese nuclear firms for 30 years, and is currently in a joint venture to build two new reactors in Taishan in China. Chancellor George Osborne recently gave the go-ahead to Chinese companies China has the world s biggest nuclear construction programme 30 power plants under construction or planned. Above In China, Vincent de Rivaz, EDF Energy CEO, reached important agreements with Chinese companies CGN and CNNC which pave the way for their involvement in Hinkley Point C. He is seen here signing letters of intent with senior representatives of CGN, UK Chancellor George Osborne looks on. 2 3

3 Interview Somerset road improvements on track We're already improving roads and making them safer before construction starts at Hinkley Point C. Ensuring Hinkley Point C delivers In the first of a series of employee interviews, Plugged in speaks to people proud to work on the Hinkley Point C project. 16 million of investment is planned for roads in Somerset, the bulk of these improvements coming before the construction of the new power station. EDF Energy has worked in close partnership with the relevant authorities and local communities to identify and develop the right road improvements. Already some have been delivered in Cannington and along the C182, the main road to Hinkley Point, and now work is beginning on the at Sandford Hill Corner. The works will transform Sandford Hill Corner from a notorious accident black spot with a new roundabout, making it safer Minehead Quantock Rd Nether Stowey New roundabout Charlynch Lane with activity set to start mid-february and finishing in autumn The is a main route linking the M5 to West Somerset and Exmoor and carries significant tourist traffic. To maintain safety whilst the roundabout is being built, traffic restrictions will be in place on the and local road networks and pedestrians will be diverted around the works. Both Sandford Hill and Charlynch Lane, shown below, will close during the works. EDF Energy has worked hard with Somerset County Council to plan the work in a way that keeps restrictions to a minimum. Cllr David Hall, Cabinet Member for Business, Inward Investment and Policy at Somerset Hinkley Point Sandford Hill B3339 Quantock Rd Cannington B3339 County Council said: Once the new roundabout is finished it will be a permanent improvement to the between Cannington and Bridgwater making it safer and better for all road users. We re delighted that work is soon to begin on improving this important stretch of road. Thank you for your patience and understanding whilst these improvements are underway. For further information and up to date planned highway works in Somerset please visit: A38 A38 Bridgwater M5 Exeter M5 Bristol Wells For 35 years, Alex Ramsay has worked across the electricity industry. In his current role as Hinkley Point C Logistics Manager his focus has moved from reactors to roads, and he s now responsible for getting the right materials, people and equipment to HPC safely and on time. What facilities will you build to use the road network most efficiently? There are extensive plans for sea with a 500 metre jetty to bring over 80% of aggregates direct to the site, and an upgrade to the existing wharf. To ensure we control traffic flows into Hinkley Point C, we plan to invest in freight management facilities at Junction 23 and Junction 24 of the M5. These will act as holding bays for vehicles, as well as also being points where van deliveries are combined resulting in fewer vehicles on roads. For workers we re planning to build four park and ride sites enabling workers to travel by bus, avoiding thousands of cars journeys to site each day. How are you using technology? Already we ve installed a computerised Delivery Management System that all of our suppliers will use. They won t be able to bring anything to site without permission. This allows us to properly control deliveries. We also have nine traffic cameras along permitted highway networks enabling us to track deliveries and ensure drivers stick to the right routes. The data from this system is shared with Somerset County Council, allowing us to demonstrate how we meet the rules governing the project s transport activity. Designing exactly how we will get everything to site on time, whilst ensuring we stay a good neighbour, is extremely important to me What excites you about your job? The scale of the challenge is definitely exciting. Building the power station will require thousands of people on site each day and millions of tonnes of materials all arriving by a mixture of sea and road. Designing exactly how we will get everything to site on time, whilst ensuring we stay a good neighbour, is extremely important to me. Left Alex Ramsay speaking on Hinkley Point C s transport plans, at a recent Sedgemoor economic development conference What s your message to Somerset residents? I ve lived in Somerset for over a decade and know the local roads well, so naturally understand concerns around traffic. We have a fantastic team of people working hard on the project s transport plans and have designed robust systems using the best available technology. This team, coupled with 16 million of permanent improvements to the road network, means that I m confident we re able to meet the transport requirements of the project and the needs of local residents. Currently I m spending a lot of time at local community forums and meetings sharing our plans in detail. For me it is important that as many people as possible have the opportunity to ask questions and fully understand our plans. 4 5

4 Talking about our generation The 21 October 2013 was an important day for the future of the UK s nuclear industry. Hinkley Point played host to Prime Minister David Cameron, the Secretary of State for Energy Ed Davey as well as local community leaders for an important announcement. EDF Group and the UK Government announced that they had reached in principle an agreement on the key commercial terms for an investment contract for the planned Hinkley Point C nuclear power station. This deal means 16bn of investment coming into the country and the creation of 25,000 jobs, which is brilliant news for the south west and for the country as a whole. October 21st 2013 was an historic day for the future of Hinkley Point. EDF Group and the UK Government announced they had reached in principle an agreement on key commercial terms for an investment contract of the planned Hinkley Point C nuclear power station. Also announced that day: What is the Contract for Difference? Announcement of new partners (see page 3) and confirmation of four key suppliers The Contract for Difference is a key element of Government s plan to reform the UK s energy market. It means that Hinkley Point C will offer stable, predictable prices for the energy it produces. If wholesale electricity prices rise above an agreed strike price, consumers will not pay extra. If they fall below this price, the generator will receive a top-up payment. In a contract which will last for 35 years, the strike price is set at 92.50/MWh. Confirmation that the project will benefit from the Government s Infrastructure Guarantee Scheme under terms and conditions to be agreed upon Broad terms for a funded decommissioning programme for Hinkley Point C Prime Minister David Cameron 6 7

5 Comprehensive response post Fukushima This spring EDF Energy will complete a UK-wide, three year programme of work following the events at Fukushima in Japan A busy first year From dancing Zingy to inspiring and recruiting the next generation. The Fukushima event, which occurred at the Fukushima Daiichi site on Japan s east coast on 11 March 2011, involved a magnitude nine earthquake followed by impact of a large tsunami wave. The tsunami disabled the power supply and cooling of three Fukushima Daiichi reactors, causing a nuclear accident. A thorough review of the UK s nuclear power sector by the Chief Nuclear Inspector Dr Mike Weightman found that UK facilities had "no fundamental weaknesses." However, he made a number of recommendations to further enhance safety and resilience. Left Hinkley Point C will be 14m above sea level with a sea wall of 13.5m Below An Emergency Response Centre provides a local inventory of back-up equipment The regulators have described the UK EPR reactor as "the most-assessed design ever" A comprehensive analysis of the reactor design planned for Hinkley Point C has also been carried out. Changes to the design, assessed by the Office for Nuclear Regulation and the Environment Agency, have increased resilience to flooding and seismic activity. After taking on the lessons learned from Fukushima the design to be used at Hinkley Point C was approved in December It s been a busy first year for employees at Hinkley s visitor centre in Angel Place, Bridgwater. The centre has seen over 10,000 visitors through the doors since it opened in December 2012 and has not only organised over 100 group tours to Hinkley Point B power station, but has played host to a number of community events and activities. Amongst the huge range of projects throughout the year the centre recently hosted, in partnership with local Emergency Services, a Community Support Day where members of the public were given advice on everything from home fire safety and ways to arrange the installation of carbon monoxide alarms to free health checks and safety guidance for senior citizens. During the day over 150 people dropped in to speak with experts from Avon and Somerset Constabulary, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, South West Ambulance Service and the newly created Village Agents. EDF Energy's Customer Services Team were also available to help. Sgt Steve Crago of Avon and Somerset Constabulary said: Hosting events like this at the visitor centre is a great Bringing the lab to life opportunity to get professional advice in one place and allows people wanting assistance to drop in at their convenience. Above Jamie Howe, Lauren Stephens and Abergail Howe from Andersea meet Zingy. For more visitor centre information or to book a tour of Hinkley Point B power station please hinkleybtours@edf-energy.com or telephone / EDF Energy initiated a 180 million plan to meet these recommendations at its eight nuclear power stations, including Hinkley Point B. This has included additional training for key staff, enhancements to backup equipment for cooling systems, and emergency command and control facilities. The intensive assessment required the parties involved to undertake 850,000 hours of engineering studies over four years and the regulators have described the UK EPR reactor as "the mostassessed design ever". All of EDF Energy s nuclear power stations in the UK, are designed to be secure against natural hazards that have a frequency of less than 1 in 10,000 years. These hazards include tides, storm surges and tsunamis. To protect the station from such events, the site will be at 14m above sea level, behind a sea wall of 13.5m. Sea level rise as a result of climate change has been assessed for the lifetime of the station. In a festive feast of explosions, experiments and hands-on fun over 700 students from 17 Somerset schools brought the excitement of the lab to life this December in the LabLive Roadshow, part of Cheltenham Science Festival. In partnership with EDF Energy and its industry leading Inspire education programme, LabLive brings all the fun of Cheltenham Science Festival to schools in Somerset, to inspire and engage inquisitive young minds. Tom Thayer, EDF Energy Education Programme Coordinator said: It s fantastic that so many schools in Somerset participated in such impressive and engaging science lectures, whilst learning more about the subjects related to careers in the nuclear industry. 8 9

6 Feature Feature Hinkley lends a helping hand Pupils at Stogursey Primary school, near Hinkley Point, can now explore a new outdoor learning environment, thanks to an EDF Energy volunteer programme. School Governor, Tony Harris, became aware of EDF Energy s Helping Hands scheme through community meetings and felt that his local school would be an ideal project for the company s volunteers to get involved with, creating a lasting legacy for Stogursey children. The school had recently acquired a one acre field, which required rejuvenating to create an inspiring outdoor environment for pupils. Tony Harris explained: The four day project was the culmination of years of work to secure the field behind the school and convert it for the children to use. Volunteers created a woodland trail and 35 raised bed allotments for the children and their families to enjoy. We re delighted with the results. More than 30 volunteer workers from Hinkley Point B & C joined the four day project at the end of January as part of EDF Energy s volunteering programme. This allows employees two days of company time each year to help support schemes in the local community. We ve been delighted with the support from local firms such as Greenslades Grounds Maintenance in Cannington and J & G Fencing With so many of us living and working in the local area this really felt special, we ve all worked together to make this happen. Helping Hands is a fantastic way of making a difference in the community and we will arrange more projects in the future, said organiser Vicki Dingwall of Hinkley Point C s Communications Team. If your local community project or school is interested in finding out more about EDF Energy's Helping Hands scheme please get in touch. Top Lisa Sweatman, Senior Teacher at Stogursey Primary School and students delving into their new allotments Insert Happy to lend a hand, some of the EDF Energy volunteers who worked on the project Bottom Students inspecting the work of Ross Edwards, EDF Energy volunteer 10 11

7 Competition Are you a budding photographer? Photograph taken by Jamin Chetter along the canal in Bridgwater using an Olympus E5OO Camera. Are you a budding photographer or a photography enthusiast? Share your photographs taken in and around Somerset with us and each edition we will publish our favourite. Send your high resolution photo to: hinkley-enquiries@edf-energy.com with your name and details of where the photograph was taken and what camera you used to capture the shot. The winner will receive a 50 photography voucher. Terms and conditions apply. 12