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EDF subsidiary Arabelle Solutions has signed a contract to supply two of the world’s most powerful steam turbines.

The choice of Arabelle turbines for Sizewell C is no surprise, given that the plan is to replicate the Hinkley Point C build programme in Somerset, where Arabelle is currently installing the first of two turbine islands.

By replicating Hinkley Point C, Sizewell C expects to reduce the number of engineering hours required to design its turbine halls, allowing the components to be manufactured early and placed into storage, helping the project reduce risk and stay on schedule.

Each turbine hall at Sizewell C will include an Arabelle steam turbine with a 75-inch last stage blade – the longest such blades ever made – a generator that will supply electricity for three million homes, along with supporting equipment such as heat exchangers, pumps and auxiliary components. 

Both shaft lines, which house a turbine and generator, will span approximately 70 metres.

Nigel Cann, joint managing director of Sizewell C, said: “Having worked at Hinkley Point C for many years I’m delighted that such an experienced and dedicated company like Arabelle Solutions has secured this contract. Their attention to detail and desire to continually innovate is second to none. Awarding this contract is a really significant moment for our project as these two turbines will ultimately deliver enough low carbon energy to power up to six million homes.”

Cedric Couffignal, executive vice president, new build at Arabelle Solutions, added: “As at Hinkley Point C, the large Arabelle turbine is well suited to the output requirements and site conditions at Sizewell C. Our teams will build on their experience and learning from Hinkley Point C and, to reach the best achievable performance, the turbine will once again incorporate a 75-inch last stage blade, the longest such blades ever made.”

The last stage blades are the final, longest blades in the low-pressure section of a turbine designed to extract the remaining energy from the expanding steam and maximise the overall power output.

Enabling works at Sizewell C began in January 2024 and the final investment decision was approved by the government in July but there is still no start date for main construction work, nor a target completion date.

The government has, however, already stated that the major contractors currently working on Hinkley Point C will be kept on for Sizewell C. They are Bouygues and Laing O’Roukre, in joint venture as Bylor, and Balfour Beatty.

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