Industrial services provider Bilfinger has won two new contracts worth £350m to deliver the design, procurement, supplier management, fabrication and construction of pipework and specialist equipment for the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station in the UK.

Specifically, Bilfinger UK, Bilfinger Engineering & Technologies and Bilfinger Peters Engineering will be involved in the delivery of the new contracts, which cover: 

  • The execution design, supplier management as well as fabrication and installation of pipework and equipment for the nuclear steam supply system (NSSS).
  • The execution design, supplier management, procurement and fabrication of pipework for the balance of nuclear island (BNI). 

Work will begin immediately, and will be delivered through Bilfinger’s Technologies and Engineering & Maintenance Europe segment with UK bases in Bristol and Warrington. Manufacturing of specialist pipework will take place at an upgraded factory in the North East of England, Bilfinger said. 

Bilfinger UK – one of more than 380 Hinkley Point C suppliers – expects to create 350 new engineering and manufacturing jobs in Britain in Warrington, Humberside, Bristol and Somerset. 

It is also committed to training UK workers through apprenticeships in a range of skills including welding, mechanical engineering, pipefitting and health, safety and environment.

“With the creation of hundreds of new jobs and training opportunities delivered by this contract, Hinkley Point C is helping to build Britain’s industrial capability and boosting jobs and skills. Development of a near-identical power station at Sizewell C will further benefit our extensive and experienced British supply chain,” said Simon Parsons, Hinkley Point C MEH programme director.

Bilfinger CEO, Tom Blades said: “The contracts provide stability for our business while preserving and creating jobs for our local workforce. This new work enables us to strengthen our investment in additional fabrication capacities in the UK. The fact that we are awarded these major contracts in such challenging times not only proves our expertise but makes us confident in our business prospects.” 

In February this year, Bilfinger was awarded a contract for Hinkley Point C’s Balance of Plant (BoP) package. It is also working on the design preparation and planning of the solid waste treatment facility. The new awards bring Bilfinger’s total volume of work on the Hinkley Point C project up to more than £440 million.

Hinkley Point C, which is being built by EDF and China General Nuclear, will comprise two UK EPR reactors. Once completed it is expected to provide low-carbon electricity to meet 7% of UK electricity demand. The project remains on schedule, and earlier this month the foundations were completed for Hinkley Point C unit 2. 

Photo: Hinkley Point C under construction