EDF Energy selects preferred bidder for Hinkley Point C contract

EDF Energy has announced the selection of Bouygues TP/Laing O’Rourke Joint Venture as preferred bidder for a contract for civils work to build a proposed new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C in Somerset.

The contract, worth around £2bn, will create an estimated 4,000 jobs with many of the 3,000 or so construction workers under this contract living in Somerset. The work, which is subject to planning consent and EDF Energy taking its final investment decision at the end of this year, includes the construction of the main civils works for the nuclear island, the conventional island and supporting structures.

Ahead of the signing of the contract, the joint venture has entered into a preliminary agreement for Early Contractor Involvement which will see the two companies working on the development of the detailed design, construction methodology and programme up to EDF Energy’s final investment decision.

This early engagement will achieve improved project cost effectiveness and construction deliverability by drawing on the JV companies’ experience of similar projects.  It will also ensure early identification of any issues, that the best processes and people are in place as early as possible, and early engagement can begin with the local community and supply chain.

As part of an embedded project partnership with EDF Energy, this progressive agreement will further enhance the project's contribution and ensure Hinkley Point C is fully prepared for efficient and expert construction.

This contract is the first relating to the main construction works which will see up to 25,000 jobs created on site over the course of the project, including an estimated 400 apprenticeships for the civils work.

EDF Energy expects further apprenticeships and skills development opportunities in other parts of the project and is already working with local colleges, future employers and our Trades Union partners to ensure long term up-skilling of local and wider supply chains as a result of the project. The civils contractor will fully support and be engaged in these education and training initiatives.