• EDF previously selected Bilfinger as preferred bidder to deliver NSSS and fabrication of BOP
• Bilfinger continues with preparation work based on existing framework contract

French energy company EDF (Électricité de France) has re-affirmed to Bilfinger its aspiration to award NSSS (Nuclear Steam Supply System) and the fabrication elements of BOP (Balance of Plant) contracts to the company for the construction of the new Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant.

Bilfinger was already recognized as a strategic supplier to their Hinkley Point C project in South West England in 2018. The Company has since received orders worth approximately €20 million for design preparation, planning and solid waste treatment. An additional project agreement to enable NSSS (design and material procurement) and BOP fabrication is anticipated around the turn of year. The project agreement will be executed by Bilfinger’s UK business (segment E&M Europe) in conjunction with the technical expertise of Bilfinger Technologies who are based in Oberhausen, Germany.

Simon Parsons, EDF Program Director for Hinkley Point C, commented: “We are looking forward and hope to continue our collaboration with Bilfinger on this pioneering project. The Company’s proven expertise with large-scale nuclear projects will enable safe, high-quality and timely construction of major components of Hinkley Point C.”

Bilfinger is expected to lead the fabrication and installation works for the Nuclear Steam Supply System (NSSS). The system generates the steam needed to drive the turbine generator unit and ultimately produce energy. In addition, Bilfinger is expected to design, prefabricate and install so-called Balance of Plant (BOP) packages, i.e. supporting components and auxiliary systems of the power plant needed to deliver the energy outside the generating unit itself. Bilfinger has been working on the Hinkley Point C project since 2018 and will continue to deliver the various orders through the life of the project.  

EDF’s two new third generation pressurized water reactors (EPR) at Hinkley Point C with a capacity of 1,600 MW each will provide low-carbon electricity for around six million homes in the UK. Hinkley Point C is the first new nuclear power station to be built in the UK in over 20 years and is expected to offset over 600 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions over its 60-year lifespan.

Bilfinger is also currently working with EDF on replacing welds at the French nuclear construction project Flamanville 3. Bilfinger remotely operates a robot to cut and newly weld the main steam transfer pipes. With this specialized welding technology, the aim is to prove the welds’ compliance with the extremely high safety and quality standards of EDF’s “break preclusion” approach.