Schneider Electric named preferred bidder for Hinkley Point C contract

Schneider Electric, U.K. & Ireland, has been chosen as the preferred bidder for a contract to supply its medium-voltage PIX switchgear range for the planned Hinkley Point C nuclear power station project in Somerset, England, EDF Energy said late last week.

“We are delighted to be selected by EDF Energy as its partner for the Hinkley Point C Nuclear New Build programme,” Schneider Electric, U.K. & Ireland, President Tanuja Randery said. “Schneider Electric is committed to enabling the U.K. to achieve a cleaner energy mix, and our partnership with EDF Energy is another step toward this goal. We have a long-standing relationship with EDF Energy and are proud to support the investment in the power station at Hinkley Point, with our knowledge and experience serving the worldwide nuclear market for over 30 years.”

In October, EDF and the China General Nuclear Power Corp. (CGN) completed a strategic investment agreement to facilitate the Hinkley Point construction and operations. For this project, AREVA NP, Bouygues TP/Laing O’Rourke, Alstom France and Alstom U.K. are listed as finalized suppliers.

EDF said approximately 7 percent of the U.K.’s anticipated electricity demand will be met by the Hinkley Point C facility.