EDF has pushed back the first reactor start-up at Hinkley Point C by a further year, citing lower-than-expected productivity on the project’s electromechanical installation programme. Unit 1 is now scheduled to start up in 2030.
That timetable is one year later than EDF’s previous best-case 2029 target. It also extends the slippage from earlier milestones – two years behind the 2027 revised timetable and five years adrift of the original 2025 online date set when the project was approved in 2016.
Cost estimate rises to £48bn at today’s prices
EDF’s latest estimate puts construction at £35bn in 2015 prices, which it says is equivalent to £48bn at today’s prices – a £1.4bn increase.
Civil works progress continues, but MEH lag remains
In its annual results update, EDF reported civil works at Unit 1 had reached 94% by concrete volume by the end of last year. It also confirmed the 24 primary loop welds for the reactor were completed in January, and major safety injection pumps have now been installed.
On Unit 2, EDF said the dome has been lifted into place and the reactor pressure vessel has been delivered.
However, EDF said the mechanical, electrical and HVAC (MEH) programme remains behind schedule, despite improved installation rates in the second half of 2025. EDF added that recent momentum provides “a reasonable foundation” to deliver the revised timetable.
Sizewell C payment disclosed
EDF also revealed Hinkley Point C has received a £1.6bn payment from Sizewell C in return for expertise provided to the Suffolk project. EDF said Sizewell C is currently projected to cost £38bn at 2024 prices, based on achieving major savings from lessons learned during Hinkley’s construction.
Source: M&E delay pushes Hinkley C first reactor start up back a year
