Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection
- May 2026
Aim of inspection
The aim of the inspection was to inspect NNB Generation Company (HPC) Ltd's (NNB GenCo) arrangements for compliance with Licence Condition (LC) 19, construction or installation of new plant, in relation to civil engineering construction assurance.
LC19 requires that where the licensee proposes to construct or install any new plant, which may affect safety, the licensee makes and implements adequate arrangements to control the construction or installation.
The objective of the inspection was to obtain evidence in relation to the adequacy of NNB GenCo's arrangements for the control of construction activities of key nuclear safety related structures at Hinkley Point C (HPC). Surveillance activities are a key part of the on site construction quality process. Surveillance allows NNB GenCo to identify quality trends and quality improvement requirements. A further objective of this inspection was to ascertain the effectiveness of NNB quality improvement measures.
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC19 - Construction or installation of new plant - Rating: Green
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
This Licence Condition (LC) 19 (construction or installation of new plant) compliance inspection was carried out on Wednesday 27th May and Thursday 28th May at Hinkley Point C (HPC).
The inspection focused on the adequacy of NNB GenCo construction quality improvement initiatives and surveillance activities. The inspection focused on Unit 2 structures at HPC. The inspection initially comprised of an office based discussion on quality improvement measures. The discussion was followed by a site walkdown, where we visited Unit 2 Nuclear Auxiliary Building (HN) and Unit 2 Pump House Heat Sync (HPX2). During the site walkdown we witnessed NNB surveillance activities and the implementation of a trial of the Stage 3 ‘One Quality’ initiative.
The remainder of the inspection was office based where evidence was sampled.
The objective of the inspection is to obtain evidence in relation to the adequacy of NNB GenCo's arrangements for the control construction quality improvement initiatives and surveillance activities related to key nuclear safety related structures at HPC.
Overall, on the basis of the inspection and evidence sampled, I judge that LC19 arrangements, in relation to the management and implementation of construction quality assurance and surveillance are being implemented appropriately and in accordance with expectations.
The inspection highlighted no significant regulatory issues.
A small number of observations were made during the inspection and where appropriate, actions were set to address them.
Conclusion
On the basis of the evidence sampled, I judge that NNB GenCo have implemented their LC19 (construction or installation of new plant) arrangements for the management and implementation of construction quality assurance and surveillance are being implemented appropriately.
In relation to the specific areas sampled, I judge that NNB GenCo’s development and implementation of arrangements for the collaborative Stage 3 One Quality initiative quality surveillance were adequately controlled.
Upon consideration of the ONR guidance in relation to inspection ratings, I judge that a rating of Green (no formal action) is appropriate.
Actions and minor observations have been raised for the duty holder to consider and address after the inspection, which will be monitored through routine regulatory business.