EDF Energy announces additional preferred bidders for Hinkley Point C project

EDF Energy announced additional preferred bidders on Friday, as the process for the final investment decision relating to the construction of a nuclear reactor at the Hinkley Point Nuclear Power Plant concluded.

According to the company, the construction of Hinkley Point C and eventual deployment of the reactor may prove to be a significant boost to the supply chain and skills development sector in the U.K., with the potential to kickstart the nuclear energy industry in the country.

The company states that with current bidders it can be estimated that approximately 60 percent of the construction cost will be placed into companies in the U.K. as opposed to earlier estimates of 57 percent.

“This is great news -- Hinkley Point C offers a tremendous opportunity for the U.K. supply chain and we’ve worked closely with EDF to ensure British firms benefit," Minister for Energy and Climate Change Andrea Leadsom said. "As part of our long-term plan to support the industries of the future, create jobs and provide secure, affordable energy supplies for hardworking families and businesses, we are backing our nuclear sector by fostering innovation and opportunity as we cut carbon emissions.”

Four companies were initially announced as preferred bidders in 2013 which consisted of Areva, Alstom, Bouygues TP of France and Constain of Maidenhead. The company notes that contracts will not be made until a final investment decision is made. A total of 19 ventures and other bidders were announced alongside two companies that had already been announced to be involved in the project. These companies range from construction and installation of electrical and piping systems to project management and many other areas.