Bristol’s economy is receiving a boost from the development of Hinkley Point C nuclear power station, a new report has found.
So far, more than £1billion has been spent with companies in the region and thousands of jobs have been created in and around Bristol, according to the analysis by EDF Energy.
A further £500million is being invested in new contracts that have already been signed.
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The project currently employs 800 people in the city and another 6,500 people on site in Somerset, while thousands more jobs have been created in the supply chain in the South West.
Stuart Crooks, managing director of Hinkley Point C, said; “Our teams are making great progress on-site, but this report shows we are also delivering on our ambition to make a lasting difference to people, skills and the regional economy.
“We are providing opportunities for people to develop their talents and build lasting careers."
Hinkley Point is the first new nuclear power station to be built in the UK in over 20 years and is set to create 25,000 job opportunities over its lifespan.
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The South West is set to benefit by £200million each year during peak construction, according to a BEIS report, with £4billion being generated for the regional economy over the lifetime of the project.
Sam Evans, head of Hinkley supply chain engagement at the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, said: “The work on site is accelerating, creating more and more opportunities for South West businesses to bid for and win valuable contracts as the supply chain grows.
“What’s especially pleasing is that, far from the list of companies registered all being construction and engineering companies, we are seeing a broad range of sectors represented, including design agencies, catering companies, professional services firms and office fit-out businesses.”
Over 3,200 people are working at Hinkley Point C each day, with some 1.5million hours worked every month.
