EDF Energy said on 11 December that first concrete has been poured for the 'common raft' of Hinkley Point C NPP in the UK.
The raft, on which the reactor building and safety systems will be constructed, will be a 4500t cross-shaped platform of nuclear grade concrete, reinforced with steel. It will support the reactor building and the fuel building as well as four separate sections for electrical and safeguards systems.
The first 2000 cubic metre portion was poured over 30 hours to a thickness of 3.2 metres, EDF said. Completion of the raft is scheduled in 2019 after four more pours take place.
This is the second safety-related concrete item to be constructed at Hinkley Point C. In March 2017 EDF Energy placed structural concrete for the technical galleries which run beneath the plant. Hinkley Point C will have two EPR reactors designed by Framatome and is planned to supply about 7% of UK electricity, with the first reactor starting up in 2023
