A group of 28 Year 8 students took part in a visit to Hartlepool Nuclear Power Station. The facility, which is owned and operated by EDF Energy, has two advanced gas-cooled reactors and can generate sufficient electricity for 3% of the UK need.
The visit began with a look around the new Visitors Centre, which included a range of hands on electricity-related activities for the students to take part in. This was followed by an introductory presentation about the history of the site and how electricity was generated there.
On entering the actual power station the students were greeted by a member of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, who told them about the firearm he was holding and described his job protecting the facilities and personnel on site.
The students then visited the turbine hall, which was very warm and noisy, and then the water pumping room. Our tour concluded with a visit to the emergency garages, where we saw the fire engine and firefighting equipment.
Speaking about the visit, Lewis in 8J said “I enjoyed visiting the turbine hall, learning how the nuclear reactor works and wearing the protective clothing. I have a better understanding of how a power station works”.
Many thanks to the staff at Hartlepool Nuclear Power Station for hosting us on the day.
