Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
September 2025
Aim of inspection
The aim of the inspection was to inspect NNB Generation Company (HPC) Ltd's (NNB GenCo) arrangements for compliance with Licence Condition (LC) 19, construction or installation of new plant, in relation to civil engineering construction assurance. LC19 requires that where the licensee proposes to construct or install any new plant, which may affect safety, the licensee makes and implements adequate arrangements to control the construction or installation. In addition, the inspection aimed to identify evidence of conformance with technical relevant good practice in the management and execution of civil engineering works.
The objective of the inspection was to obtain evidence in relation to the adequacy of NNB GenCo’s arrangements for the control of construction of Unit 2 Nuclear Island buildings at Hinkley Point C (HPC). The particular focus of the inspection was on the implementation of arrangements to ensure conformant construction of civil engineering elements, in accordance with the design intent and safety case.
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC19 - Construction or installation of new plant - Rating: Green
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
This LC19 inspection was carried out on Tuesday 16th September and Wednesday 17th September at Hinkley Point C (HPC). The inspection comprised of a deep dive on the Unit 2 reactor building (HR), fuel building (HK) and safeguards building (HL). The inspection initially comprised of a site walkaround, where we visited the Unit 2 HR, HK and HL. On the second day of the inspection we also witnessed a concrete pour at the HL building. The remainder of the inspection was office based, where evidence was sampled.
The objective of the inspection was to obtain evidence in relation to the adequacy of NNB GenCo’s arrangements for the control of construction of key class 1 Unit 2 at HPC. Heavy civils works are still on going, however some lower levels of the HR buildings were handed over to the MEH contractor. The focus of the inspection was on the implementation of LC19 arrangements and where LfE has been taken from Unit 1 and implemented on Unit 2.
This inspection highlighted no significant regulatory issues. A number of observations were identified and actions were confirmed, where appropriate.
Overall, on the basis of the inspection and evidence sampled, I judge that LC19 arrangements in relation to construction of the nuclear safety significant Unit 2 are being implemented appropriately and are aligned with relevant good practice.
Conclusion
On the basis of the evidence sampled, I judge that NNB GenCo have implemented their LC19 (construction or installation of new plant) arrangements for the on going nuclear safety significant construction work being carried out at site. In relation to the specific areas sampled, I judge that NNB GenCo’s implementation of arrangements for the construction of the Unit 2 HR, HK and L buildings were adequately controlled.
Upon consideration of the ONR guidance in relation to inspection ratings, I judge that a rating of Green (no formal action) is appropriate.
Actions have been raised for the duty holder to consider and address after the inspection.