ENERGY firm EDF Energy have opened its new training hub in a 12th century Benedictine nunnery in Cannington.

The Grade I listed buildings at Cannington Court have been restored over the past three years.

Staff will use the base to develop skills in smart metering, new nuclear projects, finance and human resources.

Chief executive officer Vincent de Rivaz, said: "We are committed to developing the new skills and ideas to build a low-carbon society."

Cannington Court is owned by Bridgwater College and has been leased to EDF Energy.

When it is not used by EDF staff, the college will make use of the facilities for its students.

Its facilities include new ways of learning through digital tools and virtual reality hardware. It also includes a simulator training centre.  EDF Energy’s research and development team has installed ground source heat pumps and solar technology to generate electricity which means that more than 50% of the energy for the centre will be provided by these low carbon sources.
 
The centre forms part of EDF Energy’s “Campus” programme for all staff which includes an online hub and courses run across the UK. Campus will help employees to develop skills to work on smart metering, customer service, existing power stations, nuclear new build, human resources, finance, digital projects and other aspects of EDF Energy’s business.

Energy Minister Andrea Leadsom MP said:  “Cannington Court offers a perfect synergy between the past, present and future. The new buildings dovetail neatly with the old; both combining to offer a first class learning experience for students looking to build a bright future. All of which underpins our ambitions for the future of our energy sector and our desire to prepare the ground for new nuclear builds in this country; facilities that will help deliver secure, low carbon and affordable energy.”