EDF Energy confirmed that one of the two units at the power station has been temporarily switched off for its statutory outage, in order to allow the work to be carried out.
Each of the two generating units at Hunterston B is switched off every three years for routine inspections and maintenance. Alongside this, engineers also complete a number of improvement projects on site. The outage itself has been two years in the making, with EDF saying that more than 13,000 separate pieces of work are scheduled to be completed at a total cost of over £20m.
While the work will ensure the power station continues to provide electricity for more than 1.4 million homes throughout Scotland, the maintenance project will also provide a jobs boost as the number of workers on site will almost double, with around 500 specialist workers brought in to assist Hunterston B staff. Local suppliers in Ayrshire also also set to benefit with a share of contracts, while local B&B's, caravan parks and hotels are housing the contractors for the duration of the project.
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Colin Weir, Station Director, commented: "Once again Hunterston B will turn to a number of local firms, with whom we have a tried and trusted relationship, to provide essential services during this outage. We are impressed by the high standards of the companies we work with and the quality of their workmanship. These companies will work alongside specialist firms from across the world, who are leaders in their field."
The Hunterston B nuclear power station first started producing power in 1976, and to date, has produced more than 255 TWh of low carbon electricity for Scotland. This has provided power for around 1.4 million homes per year in the UK, or 58% of Scottish homes.
EDF Energy has also confirmed that throughout the outage, the Hunterston B Visitor Centre will remain open for business.
(JP/IT)
