With the construction of the Sizewell C nuclear power plant on the east coast of Suffolk, the UK is opening a new chapter in its energy history. The vision is clear: to save around nine million tonnes of CO₂ per year and cover the electricity needs of six million households.
Energy for generations: the UK's path to a sustainable future
With a planned capacity of 3.2 gigawatts, Sizewell C is set to play a central role in the UK's energy supply and cover around 7% of the country's total electricity requirements. Sizewell C exemplifies the British approach of focusing increasingly on nuclear power in addition to wind and solar energy in order to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
The concept behind the new power plant is multifaceted: it is intended to make a significant contribution to reducing national emissions and is therefore considered one of the most important projects for realising the UK's climate targets. At the same time, Sizewell C is intended to secure the national energy supply for the next 60 years and also make a decisive contribution to preserving the livelihoods of future generations.
Highest safety standards with HOPPECKE batteries
Sizewell C chose the vented HOPPECKE grid | power VM and grid | power VL batteries, as they offer decisive safety advantages. In the event of a power failure, the batteries guarantee an uninterrupted power supply and thus maintain the operation of all central systems. The grid | power VM and grid | power VL batteries are mounted on earthquake-proof racks, which gives them additional protection in emergencies. The decision to use vented batteries with liquid electrolyte was particularly important, as the design with a transparent container allows direct visual inspection of the liquid electrolyte and the plates. This is an important feature that is not available with sealed batteries. This visual inspection helps to ensure operational safety, as it allows additional monitoring of the battery status.
Proven durability and reliability
grid | power VM and grid | power VL fulfil the demanding international IEEE and KTA standards, which set high standards for functional reliability in safety-critical infrastructures. They are also certified in accordance with IEC60896. With an expected service life of up to 20 years under optimum conditions, they far exceed the required minimum service life of ten years. Thanks to this robust design and stringent certifications, these batteries are ideal for use in nuclear power plants where the highest safety standards are essential.
The power of collaboration
The proven collaboration between EDF Energy and HOPPECKE has already supported numerous infrastructure projects, including the French Flamanville nuclear power plant and the UK's Hinkley Point nuclear power plant project, where HOPPECKE is the main supplier of safety-critical infrastructure. This partnership is an expression of a common goal: the transition to a low-carbon future and the preservation of natural resources for future generations.
