Balfour Beatty set to hook Hinkley Point C to the grid

Balfour Beatty has been awarded a contract that will connect Hinkley Point C to the grid.

National Grid handed the contractor the job as part of its underground cable framework.

The cabling works will form a critical part of the Hinkley Point C (HPC) connection scheme, which will connect the HPC reactor to the national grid.

The contract involves the design, supply and construction of a new 8.5km long cable route from Loxton in the Mendip Hills to a new substation at Sandford.

It also includes the construction of a new cable sealing end compound at Loxton to be completed ahead of commissioning of the first reactor unit in 2025.

Mark Bullock, Balfour Beatty’s chief executive for rail and utilities said, “This award builds on Balfour Beatty’s deepening relationship with National Grid and demonstrates our ability to deliver a combined specialist cabling and civils package to ensure that the Hinkley Point C connection works are delivered on time to secure the future energy requirements of the UK.”

Enabling works have already commenced with the project employing around 90 people at project peak including a graduate and two apprentices.