New research shows the positive impact of Hinkley Point C on social mobility and the economy

/ 20 March 2024 / 0 Comments

Hinkley Point C has transformed the fortunes of its local area, according to new research. What was once seen as being too remote, with not enough jobs, and an ageing population, has instead become a success story.

In 2017 the Guardian reported that West Somerset was bottom in a UK league table for social mobility – but what a difference a nuclear new build project like Hinkley Point C has made to the local economy since then.

New figures from the Heart of South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) show that Hinkley Point C has helped young people stay and thrive in West Somerset and Sedgemoor, with the 25-39 population up by almost 50% in Sedgemoor. The project’s closest town of Bridgwater is booming with productivity growing faster than anywhere else in the region and well above the national average. There has been a 28% increase in local employment and a 100% increase in large companies setting up.

Making this happen has been a joint effort with organisations like the Heart of the South West LEP, Somerset Council, Somerset Chamber of Commerce, Bridgwater and Taunton College and South West Manufacturing Advisory Service. Together we are clearly making a big difference to people’s lives and their future prosperity.

Employer

EDF Energy

EDF is leading the transition to a cleaner, low emission electric future, tackling climate change and helping Britain achieve Net Zero. We are Britain’s biggest generator of zero carbon electricity. Our fleet of nuclear power stations have generated enough low carbon electricity to supply all homes in the UK for more than 19 years. EDF is leading the UK's nuclear renaissance with the construction of a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C, and plans for a new power station at Sizewell C in Suffolk. Nuclear power is the most reliable, low-carbon energy source currently available to the UK. EDF is playing a key role in the development of nuclear sites, while Hinkley Point C will provide low-carbon electricity to meet 7% of the UK demand. The project is already making a positive impact on the local and national economy as well as boosting skills and education.