Framatome signs preliminary contract for Sizewell C construction

Friday, 9 December 2022

The agreement follows the UK government's recently announced investment in the project to build the PWR plant. Framatome CEO Bernard Fontana described the signature of the agreement as "a significant milestone for Framatome as we reaffirm our engagement to deliver low-carbon, new nuclear generation plants in the UK."

The UK government announced in November that it is to invest GBP679 million (USD815 million) and become a 50% partner with EDF in the project to build two EPR reactors at the coastal site in Suffolk, leading to the departure of Chinese company China General Nuclear as a minority shareholder in the project. EDF (owned by the French state) is to provide additional investment to match the UK government's stake. The UK government has said it will seek to attract new third-party investment to help finance the project's construction and operation. NNB SZC is currently owned by EDF and the UK government.

Framatome said the preliminary contract is the outcome of its work for Sizewell C since 2021 and builds on services it continues to deliver for the construction of the Hinkley Point C plant, which Sizewell C will replicate. The company plans to sign main contracts for Sizewell C when the final investment decision is taken. EDF Energy has previously said a final investment decision is expected later this year or in 2023.

Specific activities covered by the early framework agreement include manufacturing of the nuclear steam supply systems, managing obsolescence of instrumentation and control systems, and early engineering and procurement activities. The agreement also covers work completed since 2021 to prepare long-lead forging components and engineering.

Framatome is owned by the EDF Group (75.5%), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (19.5%) and Assystem (5%).