The Nuclear Industry Association and EDF are working to boost the opportunities for UK companies as part of an expanded nuclear supply chain.
The NIA’s SC@nuclear event at the Royal Armouries in Leeds on 19-20 May will be an interactive two-day opportunity for northern firms to find out more about how to get involved in what could be a multi-billion pound supply chain for new nuclear.
The event, coordinated by the NIA, will give manufacturing and engineering companies not currently involved in nuclear, or those wishing to return to the industry, a chance to understand quality and accreditation requirements for nuclear – and to meet the key decision-makers.
Like wise EDF Energy has announced that it is to host a major supply chain event entitled “New Nuclear Opportunities” on 30 June to highlight the company’s plans to invest in new nuclear power stations in the UK and the role that British businesses will have to help deliver the investment. Energy Minister, Mike O’Brien MP, will deliver the keynote address on the subject of the Government’s perspective at the event which will take place in London on June 30.
EDF Energy intends to build four new EPR reactors in the UK with the first operational by the end of 2017. Such major investment in infrastructure will generate considerable commercial opportunities for the UK supply chain and British workers. EDF Energy’s UK new build programme is expected to lead to the tendering of about 150 contracts worth many billions of pounds.
The aim of the event is to ensure that UK companies are aware of the opportunities that EDF Energy’s investment plans will create. The event will also provide information about the EDF Energy procurement process, and give potential suppliers more details about our new business structures, and the work packages which will be available for bids.
EDF Energy’s Managing Director Nuclear New Build Humphrey-Cadoux Hudson said:
“New nuclear build will be a significant investment in the UK which will create considerable opportunities for British companies and British workers who can deliver. UK firms will be in the vanguard of the nuclear renaissance.
“We are beginning our procurement process for new build this year and now is the time for the UK companies to prepare so that they can take maximum advantage of the multi-billion pound opportunities available.”
Although there are currently many world-class British companies involved in nuclear, a new-build programme in the UK, which could see up to 10 new nuclear power stations constructed would need a much larger supply chain.
Keith Parker, chief executive of the NIA said the new build programme for nuclear presented “a golden opportunity” for UK firms – and UK workers.
“The SC@nuclear workshops will be touring regions of the UK over the next few months. The aim at Leeds is to put companies in the North of England in touch with key nuclear experts and allow those companies to find out more about how to get involved, and what support will be available to them.”
He added: “Building a new fleet of reactors in the UK will generate billions of pounds worth of business and potentially create thousands of jobs. We want to see British companies getting the lion’s share.”
The event will feature presentations, interactive sessions on quality accreditation and other requirements, and there will be opportunities for “one-to-one” dialogue with key nuclear procurement specialists.
Energy Minster Mike O’Brien is backing the event and calling for UK companies to get involved.
He said: “These supply chain events are important because it will help British business be first off the blocks in the global supply chain race. They have the potential to help secure billions of pounds for the wider UK economy.”
Places at the NIA event can be booked by calling Stephanie Longland at the NIA on 0207 766 6642. Companies wishing to take part in the EDF conference or some of our follow on events can register their interest in an invitation to the event at:
www.edfenergy.com/newnuclearopportunities
