31 Jul 2015
Cavendish Boccard preferred bidder for EDF’s Hinkley Point C
Cavendish Boccard Nuclear has been selected by EDF Energy as the preferred bidder to deliver the Balance of Nuclear Island (BNI) mechanical erection package in the construction of the proposed Hinkley Point C nuclear power station.
The BNI Mechanical Erection contract is heavily focused on the detailed design, fabrication, installation, and testing of extensive pipework systems and their supporting structures, as well as the installation of process equipment such as pump sets, valves and tanks. Each of the two reactors requires some 110km of piping systems, 35,000 supporting arrangements and installation of over 10,000 items of mechanical plant.
Work will be subject to the signing of contracts and a final investment decision from EDF Energy.
Cavendish Boccard is a joint venture between Cavendish Nuclear, the UK’s largest nuclear site manager and engineering support organisation, and Boccard, the French engineering, manufacturing, installation and industrial maintenance specialist which has undertaken similar scope on 42 of the French nuclear power fleet, including the current EDF Flamanville 3 EPR build.
Cavendish Boccard Nuclear Chairman, Roger Hardy, said: “We have considerable strengths to offer, drawing on the best of both partners and an optimised supply chain, with a seamless process flow and capacity to adapt to change. We have the people, processes and expertise to deliver to the required quality and schedule, safely and to budget a project of strategic national importance.”
Bruno François Boccard, CBN Director and Chairman of the Board at Boccard, said: “Hinkley Point C will be the 48th and 49th reactor of Boccard’s nuclear history. It is a great opportunity to combine the best of the French and UK know-how in the nuclear field, and will merge the best of the European industry capabilities to achieve a fantastic industrial plant – the EPR.”
The initial contract covers a phase of early contractor involvement which commences immediately and continues for the period to full contract signature. There is a firm commitment to use local labour, with training and up-skilling where necessary, and engineering capabilities within the Somerset and South-West UK area.