EDF: nuclear contractors' safety commitment must be 'absolute'

Contractors vying for a slice of EDF's £20bn new build nuclear programme in the UK must have an absolute commitment to safety, said EDF chief Vincent de Rivaz.

Speaking at the EDF suppliers' day forum, De Rivaz said EDF would maximise opportunities for the UK supply chain but in return UK suppliers must raise their game, investing in "the necessary equipment, skills, systems, and capacity" to compete.

EDF is planning to build at least four new nuclear power stations in the UK. The first is set to be built at Hinkley Point in Somerset. As CJ revealed last month, EDF has already issued prequalification questionnaires to a number of firms, including Laing O'Rourke, Costain and Carillion, for the first two civils packages on the site.

De Rivaz told delegates that EDF's commitment to safety and quality assurance is absolute. He added: "And we can only work with partners whose commitment to them is absolute." Suppliers will also be expected to meet tough productivity, ethical supply chain management and skills training targets, De Rivaz said.

EDF Energy's UK new build programme is expected to lead to the tendering of about 150 contracts worth around £4bn.