EDF Energy’s application for a Development Consent Order for a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C has now been published by the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC). It was submitted to the IPC on 31 October 2011 and accepted for examination on 24 November 2011.

Interested parties had until 23 January 2012 to register their views with the IPC.

Work Package Progress

• The Preliminary Works contract was let to Kier Bam JV and is being delivered with over 80% of contracts by value being let to Somerset-based businesses.
• The spoil heap remediation works is being delivered by Hydrock and is anticipated to complete in early 2012.
• West Somerset District Council resolved to grant approval for EDF Energy’s planning application for Site Preparation Works in June 2011. The legal aspects of the associated S106 arrangements are currently being finalised. Kier Bam JV is the preferred bidder for the site enabling and earthworks contract, which forms part of the Site Preparation Works. Detailed design work has now commenced and some minor works are expected to start in spring 2012, with the main earthworks due to commence in the second half of the year.
• The temporary jetty (500 metres long) civil works preferred bidder is likely to be announced in Q1 2012 and detailed design and construction would commence should permission be granted by the Marine Management Organisation. The jetty material handling equipment contracts have been awarded to Fairport Engineering and a detailed design phase is underway.
• The Main Civils contract has moved into a second stage of ITT assessment with three joint venture bidders. A preferred bidder is anticipated to be named in 2012 and an early contractor involvement agreement will be signed under which the detailed execution plans will be developed prior to final contract award.
• The Marine Works (11 km of cooling water tunnels) contract has moved into second stage of Invitation to Tender with three joint venture bidders. A preferred bidder is anticipated to be named later this year, which will be followed by a design stage prior to final contract award.
• The Nuclear Steam Supply System will be provided by Areva. A contract to start detailed design work was placed in December 2011. Earlier in 2011, contracts to manufacture the main primary circuit forgings were also placed with both the Japan Steel Works Company and Areva’s Creusot Forge.
• The Turbine Hall Invitation to Tender was issued in 2011 and this package is now under detailed analysis.
• The Mechanical Works contracts are at the pre-qualification stage with a number of consortia showing interest.  The works involve the supply, fabrication and installation of pipework and the installation of mechanical equipment.
• The Electrical Works scope of contracts is anticipated to be announced in early 2012, followed by a PQQ process later in the year.
• Control and Instrumentation work will be carried out in phases, with the first being a comprehensive design contract which will develop requirements arising from the Generic Design Assessment process.
• The Ancillary Building works cover the construction of 16 different buildings of various types. Some are low-tech, some are temporary and other are high-tech and nuclear–safety-significant facilities. These include the Hinkley Point C public information centre, the simulator and training centre and site access facilities. The approach under consideration is for the design and construction to be carried out in two phases, with the first phase tenders being invited in 2012.
• Associated developments – the PQQ process for these contracts covering the park and ride sites, campus accommodation, the Cannington bypass, the freight management facilities and various road improvements have been carried out and tenders for the works are being drawn up and should be released in 2012.
• The strategy for facilities management is being developed, which will cover the management of logistics, transport and freight, together with the operation of the campus accommodation. It is expected that this strategy, and hence the likely scope of the contracts, will be available later this year.
• There are also many equipment supply packages at various stages in the procurement process.  These include specialist items including pumps, valves, tanks, compressors, electrical equipment, filters, cranes, heat exchangers, hatches and airlocks to name but a few.  Due to the size, complexity and nature of the items, many will be internationally sourced but local supply opportunities will be explored.

As contractors work to develop their bids, the Somerset Hinkley Supply Chain Team are providing a  local supplier matching solution to assist Tier 1 contractors engage effectively and support what is a key element of the EDF Energy commitment to local communities. For contractors seeking a base in Somerset or partnership opportunities with Somerset businesses the inward investment team for the county – Into Somerset, can provide tailored support. www.intosomerset.co.uk or call 0845 1222 066