EDF to let new nuclear work this year

EDF's first new nuclear construction contracts will be let this year, kickstarting the French utilty giant's £16bn new nuclear  programme in the UK.

The firm will hold a UK nuclear suppliers forum in London on June 30 to tell UK suppliers which contracts will be let first, how they will be packaged and how they can maximise their chances of winning a slice of the work.

EDF plans to build at least four new EPR reactors in the UK with the first operational by the end of 2017. The construction work on each £4bn twin reactor is estimated to be worth at least £3bn. EDF's new nuclear programme is expected to create around 1500 contracts.

Key speakers at the "New Nuclear Opportunities" event will include energy minister Mike O'Brien and EDF's Nuclear New Build md Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson.

Cadoux-Hudson said: "We are beginning our procurement process for new build this year and now is the time for the UK companies to prepare so that they can take maximum advantage of the multi-billion pound opportunities available.”

Mike O’Brien added: "New nuclear power stations could provide thousands of new jobs, many of them in the supply chain. With the new build programme moving ahead the business is up for grabs for UK companies. This event will give companies the chance to come and find out where the opportunities will be. ”

Attendance at the event will be by invitation only, to ensure a large mix of suppliers with the appropriate skills to bid for the first contracts.
EDF will hold other supplier forums later this year around the UK.

Companies wanting to take part in the London forum or EDF's later events can register their interest at: www.edfenergy.com/newnuclearopportunities