The impact of Somerset’s Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant on people and the economy has been documented in a new report.

More than 19,500 people trained, 1,740 apprentices created and £5.4bn spent across the local economy are just some of the highlights detailed in the Hinkley Point C Socio-economic and Environmental Impact Report 2026.

EDF is building two new nuclear reactors at Hinkley Point C, the first in a new generation of nuclear power stations in Britain providing zero-carbon electricity for around six million homes.

New figures in the report show that the project’s three local training centres, operated in partnership with the UCS College Group, have given 19,500 people the skills they need to be part of the nuclear power project. Almost 70% of the 1,740 apprentices trained at Hinkley Point C are from the South-west. Others include youngsters from Suffolk learning skills they can take to Sizewell C, the twin nuclear project in the East of England. The number of apprentices trained also well exceeds the Hinkley Point C's target of 1,000.

The report also maps grants provided by Hinkley Point C’s Community Fund of more than £20m to 385 community projects. Stretching across Somerset, the benefits have been accessible to more than 600,000 people.

The grants are creating community benefit that will continue well beyond the construction of the new power station. The investment has also unlocked match funding of at least £8.4m.

So far £5.4bn has now been spent with businesses across the South West with case studies highlighting the suppliers growing their capability and winning new work thanks to their experience at Hinkley Point C. Benefits are also felt across Britain, including a new factory in North Wales which has opened to support Hinkley Point C and future nuclear projects. This facility alone will employ 200 people.

The project continues to deliver environmental benefits. The report includes examples of the planting of seagrass in the Severn Estuary to benefit the marine environment and the £700m of fish protection measures being delivered by the power station. Surveys show wildlife around the site is thriving with 92 bird species recorded in newly created landscape areas.

Stuart Crooks, Hinkley Point C’s CEO, said: “While most people living locally say that they feel the benefits of our project, we don’t take their support for granted. The Hinkley Point C Community Fund has supported many inspiring initiatives which show the vitality of communities and people around our site.”

Mark Hartley has been named as the next chief executive officer of the Hinkley Point C nuclear project from 1 July. He will take over from Crooks, who is stepping down from the role after 40 years of service in the nuclear industry.

He added: “As I prepare to move on from the project, I am proud to see what we have achieved, and I look forward to the completion of a power station that is helping to build a more secure, more prosperous and more sustainable Britain.”

Click here to read the full report.