Stainless Steel: Helping to Power the Nation with Clean Energy
For many years, the UK has been almost entirely reliant on the use of oil and gas to power our energy-hungry society. It is becoming increasingly clear that this state of affairs cannot continue indefinitely; not only will these resources eventually be depleted, their effect on our planet's vulnerable environment and climate is too great to be sustained.
Though renewable power sources like wind and solar are now being used to some extent, they alone cannot produce the amount of power we require and have many disadvantages. More and more, nuclear power is being seen as the best way forward and that is why Hinkley Point C is currently under construction.
Plans for Hinkley Point C nuclear power station received government approval back in 2016. At the chosen location in Somerset, construction work began in 2017 with the installation of an extensive network of tunnels designed to carry many miles of cables and pipes. The world's largest crane, affectionately nicknamed 'Big Carl', has been used during the building work.
On Wednesday the 4th of December 2024, news of a major milestone was announced. Workers at the site finished installing one of two planned nuclear reactors, the first to be installed since Sizewell B over three decades ago back in 1991. Measuring 13 metres in length, the reactor pressure vessel will be able to generate enough energy to power more than 3 million homes in the UK. When the second unit is installed, doubling energy output to enough for over 6 million homes, Hinkley Point C will provide the UK with as much as 7% of its total power requirements.
Hinkley Point C is set to 'make a major contribution to the UK’s move to reduce carbon emissions'. When it begins generating power, which is scheduled to happen between 2028 and 2036, its two reactors will help to offset around 9 million tonnes of carbon emissions, equating to 600 million tonnes throughout its intended 60-year lifespan. In addition, the construction and subsequent operation of the nuclear power plant will create more than 25,000 job opportunities, with at least 64% of its construction value going to companies in the UK.
As you might expect, stainless steel is one of the major materials being used in the construction of Hinkley Point C. The company in charge of building the plant, MEH Alliance, have been supplied with tonnes of corrugated stainless steel sheet for cladding tanks; the cladding will be secured with stainless steel banding and seals. Many springs, screws and rivets are also being used, along with stainless steel wire that is used to secure mineral wool and other insulation materials.
Everyone at BS Stainless is excitedly looking forward to upcoming developments at Hinkley Point C. If you'd like to stay in the loop and receive updates along with lots of other news and special features, please subscribe to our newsletter