Hinkley Point C - First electrical system hand over enables start of commissioning activities

The first permanent electrical system at Hinkley Point C (HPC) has been handed over by the MEH Alliance to the EDF Commissioning & Operations Team who are ready to start commissioning. As a Group, we form part of the MEH Alliance and this is an important step for the project, as we move closer to achieving our upcoming milestone: first Auxiliary Transformer Systems ready to be energised.

The Low Voltage Power Distribution system (LVL) is housed in the Electrical Building and will provide an uninterruptible supply of power to various plant systems. The building contains all the equipment we’ll need to power the pumps, valves, cabinets, fans, heaters and lights in the Conventional and Nuclear Islands. 

Power will be supplied to the LVL main switchboard and inverter from a temporary power source, initially. It’ll eventually have a supply from the Auxiliary Transformer after energising it in June 2026.  

Adam Anderson, Commissioning Director, said: “The Commissioning & Operations team have been focused on being ready and having our arrangements in place to start the first NNB led commissioning activities. The commissioning of the LVL system will allow us to demonstrate our processes, controls, capability and apply our own operational excellence in readiness for Auxiliary Transformer energisation in June 2026. A big thank you to everyone involved in the installation activities for LVL, enabling this exciting step forward and EDF commissioning activity to start at HPC.”   

Electricians from the MEH Alliance have been hard at work installing the necessary electrical equipment over the past few months. The 1LVL systems form part of the Conventional Island electrical distribution system, which includes 18 low voltage switchboards, six high voltage switchboards, and 14 transformers, all installed across the Electrical Building. They will eventually provide uninterruptible power to various plant systems.    

Romain Perez, MEH Project Manager, said: “We’ve gained invaluable insights during the installation, particularly with switchboard terminations. Even though we’re still in the construction phase, commissioning this system means a small area of the power station will have live temporary power until the system is fully commissioned. It’s truly remarkable to witness the transformation of Hinkley Point C as we shift from the civil phase to the mechanical, electrical, and air ventilation fit-out phase.”