- Site: Hinkley Point C
- IR number: 22-004
- Date: May 2022
- LC numbers: 19
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
In accordance with the Office for Nuclear Regulation’s (ONR’s) Hinkley Point C (HPC) Construction Inspection Plan, ONR performs a series of planned compliance inspections of identified licence conditions. This is to ensure that the licensee, NNB Generation Company (HPC) Ltd (NNB GenCo, hereinafter referred to as NNB), is adequately developing and implementing its licence compliance arrangements in a manner commensurate with the stage of the project under consideration.
This intervention was an inspection carried out to assess NNB’s compliance with licence condition 19 (LC19); Construction or Installation of New Plant. 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.
This intervention was led by ONR civil engineering construction assurance (CECA) and seeks to assess NNB’s application of relevant good practice in the area of civil engineering construction management specifically for the Unit 1 reactor inner structure (HRX). This is a Class 1 nuclear safety structure formed in reinforced concrete which sits within the inner containment. It houses the components comprising the primary circuit of the reactor and is therefore of keen interest.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
This intervention was carried out by a warranted ONR inspector at the HPC site on 26 May 2022. The intervention comprised a meeting followed by a visual inspection of the Unit 1 HRX structure. I sampled four broad topics of interest, namely: the conformance of the reinforced concrete works, equipment integration, compartmentalisation of the structure and integration of the building fabric into the civil works.
Explanation of Judgement if Safety System Not Judged to be Adequate
Not applicable.
Key Findings, Inspector’s Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
Evidence was provided by the licensee in response to my expectations and lines of inquiry. I also inspected the site to view certain aspects of interest. The evidence was sufficient for me to form a regulatory judgement as to the licensee’s compliance with LC19. Overall, in the areas sampled, I was satisfied with the licensee’s implementation of its arrangements and that it was adequately controlling construction of the works in line with relevant good civil engineering practice.
In the areas of building fabric and compartmentalisation, the timing of the intervention was somewhat early and accordingly, further engagement is warranted to gain fuller oversight of the licensee’s implementation of its arrangements.
Conclusion of Intervention
On the basis of the evidence sampled, I was satisfied that the licensee is adequately implementing its arrangements in line with relevant good civil engineering practice. I am of the opinion that, in the context of this intervention, the licensee is meeting its obligations with respect to Licence Condition 19. I therefore judge that an intervention rating of GREEN (No formal action) is appropriate in this case.