EDF Energy has selected Schneider Electric, UK & Ireland as preferred bidder for Hinkley Point C nuclear power station, subject to the final investment decision. Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management and automation, has been awarded preferred bidder status for a contract to supply its medium-voltage PIX switchgear range to ensure safe operations and reliable energy management at the site.
Last month EDF and China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN) signed a Strategic Investment Agreement for the construction and operation of the proposed Hinkley Point C nuclear power station.
Final terms for contracts for Hinkley Point C have also been agreed with a number of key suppliers:
· Areva NP (nuclear steam supply system, instrumentation and control)
· Alstom France (turbines) and Alstom UK (services during operations)
· Bouygues TP/Laing O’Rourke (main civil works)
· BAM Nuttal/Kier Infrastructure (earthworks)
The tender process was designed to enable the British supply chain to compete for contracts, meaning that more than 60% of the project by value will be spent in the UK. The project will strengthen British industry, jobs and skills with 25,000 job opportunities during its construction. EDF selected Schneider Electric for its global nuclear and automation expertise. The equipment will be designed, engineered and deployed by Schneider’s UK operations, in conjunction with Schneider’s operations in France.
EDF Energy and suppliers have been working together to create a supply chain ready to build the proposed power station, which will restart new nuclear construction in Britain after a 20-year pause. Any contract signings are subject to a final investment decision.
The proposed power station will provide reliable, low carbon electricity to meet 7 per cent of UK demand.
Ken Owen, Hinkley Point C commercial director, said: “Schneider UK & Ireland is the latest addition to the industrial partnership that will build Hinkley Point C. We have brought together a world-leading team of expert partners and suppliers to manufacture and construct the new nuclear power station which will in turn help revitalise the UK’s industrial stamina.”
Tanuja Randery, president UK & Ireland, Schneider Electric, said: “We are delighted to be selected by EDF Energy as its partner for the Hinkley Point Nuclear New Build programme. Schneider Electric is committed to enabling the UK to achieve a cleaner energy mix and our partnership with EDF Energy is another step towards this goal. We have a long-standing relationship with EDF and are proud to support the investment in the power station at Hinkley Point, with our knowledge and experience serving the worldwide nuclear market for over 30 years.”