Bilfinger awarded contract for Hinkley Point C piping

The piping systems consist partly of steel and partly of glass-reinforced epoxy pipework. Bilfinger UK, Bilfinger Engineering & Technologies in Germany and Bilfinger Peters Engineering in France are involved in the project's delivery, which will begin immediately. The contract is to be completed by 2025.

"The award of this first major contract by EDF marks a key milestone in our work on the Hinkley Point C project," said Bilfinger CEO Tom Blades. "It not only shows how much EDF values our working relationship, but also demonstrates our outstanding capabilities with regard to large-scale new-build projects in the nuclear industry. By combining the strengths and experience of multiple entities in our Group, we are able to provide EDF with all the required services from a single source for this project."

"Bilfinger's proven expertise with large-scale nuclear projects will enable safe, high-quality and timely construction of major components of Hinkley Point C," said Simon Parsons, EDF Energy's programme manager for mechanical, engineering and HVAC at the project. "This contract will further boost the UK's industrial skills and expertise in hi-tech manufacturing and is part of a sustained effort to boost British jobs and skills through the power station's construction. Development of a near identical power station at Sizewell C will further benefit our extensive and experienced British supply chain."

Bilfinger was recognised as a strategic supplier to the Hinkley Point C project in 2018 and has since received contracts worth some EUR20 million (USD22 million) for design preparation, planning and solid waste treatment. Last November, EDF reaffirmed its intention to award the nuclear steam supply system (NSSS) contract to Bilfinger. The award of that contract is expected later this year.

Under a deal agreed in October 2015, China General Nuclear took a 33.5% stake in EDF Energy's project to construct Hinkley Point C. Consisting of two Areva-designed European Pressurised Reactors, it will be the first new nuclear power station to be built in the UK in almost 20 years and will provide about 7% of the country's electricity. The partners also plan to build new plants at Sizewell in Suffolk and Bradwell in Essex, the latter using Chinese reactor technology.