- Site: Hinkley Point B
- IR number: 21-135
- Date: December 2021
- LC numbers: 15
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
The purpose of this intervention was to undertake licence condition (LC) compliance of EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Ltd.’s (NGL’s) Hinkley Point B Power Station. This was undertaken as part of the planned intervention strategy for the Operating Facilities Division (OFD) of the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR).
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
I, the nominated site inspector performed an inspection to evaluate NGL’s compliance with the following nuclear site licence condition (LCs) and legislation which are applicable provisions of the Energy Act 2013:
- LC15 – Periodic Review
The intervention was performed in line with ONR's guidance requirements (as described in our technical inspection guides) in the areas inspected.
Explanation of Judgement if Safety System Not Judged to be Adequate
Not applicable – no system based inspections were completed during this intervention.
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
The key findings were that the significant actions arising from PSR3 were either complete or being monitored, that the dutyholder’s arrangements for LC15 did not meet the requirements for the next round of PSRs (PSR4), in that they focussed on the previous round (PSR3) and did not provide the flexibility that may be required for the defueling and deconstruction phases. However, I concluded that there was no impact on nuclear safety as the arrangements would not be needed until the start of PSR4, and there was adequate time before the start of PSR4 for this issue to be addressed.
Conclusion of Intervention
I concluded that currently the licensee does not have adequate written arrangements for PSR4 and a level 4 issue will be raised to monitor this, however I am of the opinion that EDF are in the process of developing arrangements and there is sufficient time for these to be prepared before the start of the PSR4 cycle.