GE wins $1.9 billion order for Hinkley Point C’s conventional power island

• 7 years ago (2016-09-19)
• David Flin

Europe 1061 Nuclear 640

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GE has confirmed that it has won a $1.9 billion contract for EDF Energy’s Hinkley Point C nuclear power project. Steam Power Systems, part of GE Power, will supply two conventional power islands. The power conventional island includes the ARABELLE steam turbine, generator, and other critical equipment. This technology came to GE through last year’s Alstom acquisition.

Steve Bolze, President and CEO of GE Power, said: “With the acquisition of Alstom Power & Grid, we are now able to offer a broader portfolio of technology solutions that provide reliable and efficient power for our customers.”

Less than a year after COP21, the UK Government approved the Hinkley Point C project. Since 2010, 20 per cent of the UK’s electricity generation capacity has been shut down, and a further 35 per cent is expected to close down by 2030. Hinkley Point C is scheduled to supply around 7 per cent of the UK’s generation capacity when it is completed.

Andreas Lusch, President and CEO of GE’s Steam Power Systems, said: “Producing power that meets today’s greenhouse gas emissions standards is a top priority. The Arabelle turbine represents six decades of nuclear steam turbine expertise, and it is the most powerful turbine in the world by output. We are pleased to continue to work with EDF Energy to deliver clean, reliable power that will bolster the UK’s energy infrastructure.”

GE has been working closely with EDF Energy on Hinkley Point C for over six months, as part of the Early Contractor Involvement agreement that includes activities like safety classification studies, planning, civil works interfaces, pre-engineering, and procurement planning. GE will be proceeding with the next phase of design, engineering, and manufacturing from its site in Belfort, France.