EDF Energy’s Hinkley Point B power station near Burnham-On-Sea has this week begun the site’s planned maintenance shutdown on one of its two reactors.
The shutdown of reactor 4 will see around 1,000 extra people on site and an investment of more than £35million into the plant, claimed the energy firm on Monday.
The work includes inspections of the reactor core and the replacement of four large gas circulators.
The additional contractors will be working alongside Hinkley Point B’s own 550-strong team.
Station director Mike Harrison, pictured, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “This is a very important time for Hinkley Point B and is the culmination of around two years of planning. All work will be done to the highest possible standards of safety and quality.”
“As well as being important for the power station itself, the work is also great news for the local economy as it results in millions of pounds going to local and regional contractors, businesses and accommodation providers.”
The outage began on 14th October and occurs every three years for each reactor.
The power station’s second reactor remains online, supplying enough electricity for over half a million homes.
Pictured: Station director Mike Harrison in front of the B station’s turbine hall
