EDF to highlight 'new nuclear opportunities'

EDF Energy plans to host a supply chain event on “New Nuclear Opportunities” in London on 30 June.

The event will focus on EDF’s plans to invest in new nuclear power stations in the UK and the role that British businesses will have to help deliver the investment. Energy Minister Mike O’Brien MP is set to deliver the keynote address on the subject of the Government’s perspective.

EDF Energy intends to build four new European Pressurised Reactors (EPRs) in the UK, with the first expected to be operational by the end of 2017. Such a major investment in infrastructure will generate considerable commercial opportunities for the UK supply chain and British workers, according to the energy firm.

The nuclear build programme is expected to lead to the tendering of about 150 contracts worth many billions of pounds, EDF says.

The aim of next month’s supply chain event is to ensure that UK companies are aware of the opportunities that programme will create. The event will also provide information about the EDF Energy procurement process, and give potential suppliers more details about the firm’s new business structures and the work packages that will be available for bids.

“All of us depend on reliable, affordable and clean supplies of energy,” said Humphrey-Cadoux Hudson, EDF Energy’s managing director, Nuclear New Build. “Delivering long-term investment to achieve this is one of the biggest challenges facing the energy industry and the UK as a whole. Our aim is to play a leading role in UK nuclear new build, alongside our investment programmes in other forms of low-carbon generation.”

“New nuclear power stations could provide thousands of new jobs, many of them in the supply chain,” O’Brien said. “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.”