EDF plans nuclear plant preparatory works 'before 2013'

Preparatory works at the two sites EDF has earmarked to build new nuclear could start well before 2013, the Times reported today.

As CJ revealed last month, contractors are already bidding for the work,  which is expected to begin by the end of this year. The two packages are a £100m preparatory works contract, which will be let this autumn and a civils package, estimated to be around £500m, which will be let by the end of the year. Bidders include Balfour Beatty with Vinci, Laing O'Rourke with Bouygues and Costain in joint venture with Robert McAlpine.

The Times reported that the power company was drawing up plans to build new reactors at Hinkley Point in Somerset and Sizewell in Suffolk.

In a statement to the paper, EDF it was planning "to carry out a range of pre-construction preparatory work before 2013".

The work could include levelling the ground, the erection of flood barriers and excavation works to provide the foundations for the new plants.

It may take EDF 20 years to get full planning permission for the sites but it said it would "only undertake work for which it has all the necessary approvals".