UK-based Atkins, a member of SNC-Lavalin Group, said on 25 July that it had been awarded a £5 million ($6.2m) contract for the Enabling Works Basic Design at Sizewell C.
It will be the first construction work to begin at the site, which be located immediately to the north of Sizewell B. Sizewell C will comprise two 1670MWe UK EPR units, giving a total site capacity of around 3340MWe. Once operational, Sizewell C will be able to generate enough electricity to supply around 20% of the UK’s homes. The enabling works include all work necessary to prepare the main development site for the execution of the main civil works and marine works construction.
Objectives include:
• Determining the optimal layout and sequence of the construction of the site, to ensure safety, efficiency and minimal impact on surrounding villages;
• Minimising the environmental impact on the surrounding area during construction, including the design of a dedicated crossing through a designated conservation area;
• Sepcifying future site facilities and infrastructure required until commercial operation begins;
• Determining the most cost-effective construction techniques and innovative design solutions, and to maximise replication from Hinkley Point C, supporting EDF’s goal to reduce the cost of construction for Sizewell C by 20%; and
• Delivering the information required for the application of the Development Consent Order, the Nuclear Site Licence and other permits.
Andrew Smart, project delivery director at Atkins said the programme of work will combine the company’s experience in the nuclear new build sector with “the use of innovative digital tools”. The delivery model “will involve a great amount of collaboration and alliance working, to drive efficiencies for EDF and their ECI contractors,” he noted. Atkins will draw on its experience of working with EDF on other UK projects such as Hinkley Point C “to deliver engineering solutions that can reduce costs and speed up the construction process”.
Sizewell C project development director, Jim Crawford, said Sizewell C is progressing well with Stage 4 consultation underway. “The experience Atkins has gained at Hinkley Point C will help ensure we have the site prepared and ready for the construction of the power station, if planning consent is granted,” Crawford said.
