Welsh workers are making waves at the massive Hinkley Point C construction site in Somerset! Nearly 2,500 Welsh men and women are part of the 14,000-strong team, busy building one of the UK’s most ambitious nuclear power plants. On clear days, you can spot the towering cranes from across the Bristol Channel. Among the ranks is Neath’s own Lee Jones, who’s been ensuring safety at the site for over a decade. He reminisces, “Every day here, I see feats of engineering. It’s like my second family.”
For Julian Elkins from Seven Sisters, being part of such a significant project is thrilling, though he admits, “Being away from your kids is the worst part, but it’s for their future.” Brendan Edwards, residing on-site, appreciates the job security, saying, “The scale here is astounding – you won’t find anything like it.”
Not just for the Welsh, this vast site is home to workers from over 100 nationalities, all contributing to the future of the UK’s energy security. EDF, the company at the helm, has invested millions into Welsh businesses as part of this £31bn venture, despite various challenges and cost overruns.
Rachel Lister of Cardiff, part of the project since 2013, has seen it grow from a field to a bustling operational hub. She highlights efforts to keep transport sustainable while balancing work between Cardiff and Somerset.
Young talents like Kieron Salter are shaping their future in nuclear energy, eager to return to Anglesey if the new Wylfa project takes off. With efforts to reduce fossil fuel dependency, Hinkley Point C’s nuclear power is expected to power six million homes, significantly supporting the UK’s net-zero ambitions.
While there’s some opposition from groups advocating for renewables, the project is crucial for providing long-lasting, stable electricity and thousands of skilled jobs. Hinkley Point C is a testament to engineering prowess and the hard work of many, especially the dedicated Welsh workforce! 🏗️🇬🇧