SSBM Geneva Professor Dr. Dario Silić recently visited two of the United Kingdom’s significant infrastructure and energy projects — the Tyne Tunnels in Newcastle and Hinkley Point C in Somerset — gaining firsthand insights into how large-scale engineering, innovation, and sustainability are shaping Europe’s future.
Tyne Tunnels – Newcastle
During his visit to TT2 Limited, the Concessionaire and Operator of the Tyne Tunnels under the River Tyne, Dr. Silić explored how modern concession models are driving operational excellence and regional development. Originally developed through a £600 million public-private partnership led by Bouygues Travaux Publics and VINCI Construction, the Tyne Tunnels project exemplifies cutting-edge digital transformation in infrastructure.
Now operating under a Free Flow Tolling system (Tyne Pass), TT2 has eliminated physical toll barriers, significantly reduced congestion, and lowered CO₂ emissions for more than 60,000 vehicles daily. The project demonstrates how infrastructure innovation, technology, and sustainability can work together to improve urban mobility and community wellbeing.
Hinkley Point C – Somerset
Further highlighting the UK’s engineering achievements, Dr. Silić also visited Hinkley Point C (HPC) — Europe’s largest nuclear construction project and the UK’s first new nuclear power station in more than 30 years. Currently employing around 12,000 on-site workers, HPC is designed around two EPR pressurised water reactors with a combined output of 3.2 GW, enough to power six million homes.
Civil works are led by BYLOR, a joint venture between Bouygues Travaux Publics and Laing O’Rourke. At the same time, GE Vernova’s Arabelle turbines — the largest ever built — will drive the station’s energy generation. Despite its complexity, the £31–34 billion project, developed by EDF and China General Nuclear (CGN), remains a cornerstone of the UK’s net-zero strategy, combining large-scale engineering with long-term sustainability goals.
Both visits underscore SSBM Geneva’s commitment to connecting academic insight with real-world innovation, as Dr. Silić continues to engage with leading examples of infrastructure, energy transition, and sustainable development across Europe.
