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EDF Energy sets out procurement timetable for new nuclear reactors Companies will be invited to tender this year for the first of 150 contracts, worth "many billions of pounds", to build new nuclear power plants for EDF Energy in the UK. EDF Energy presented details of the tender process and work packages at a seminar in London yesterday attended by 500 representatives from companies hoping to join the supply chain. Setting out a timetable for the contracts, the company said two tenders will be published this year, for earthworks and a marine off-loading facility. In the first half of 2010 companies would be invited to tender for major packages including the main civil works contract, turbine generator, and cooling water pipework. Although the timetable of tenders stretched several years ahead, EDF was keen to stress that suppliers should start early, and be prepared to spend some time gaining the necessary quality assurance to join the programme. Henri Herkelmann, director for construction, said, "Don't underestimate the work to be done well in advance. But we are here to help." He stressed that there would be opportunities for smaller as well as larger contractors. Chris Bakken, director for operations, licensing and safety, told suppliers "our quality, safety, security and environmental standards are higher than others, and they are absolute. We will do significant and intrusive surveillance to ensure our standards are met. You will need to raise your game." Details of the procurement process released at the meeting included a six month pre-qualification involving desk studies, visits and audits, with more extensive surveillance from third parties to follow. The company said it would be carrying out a joint procurement process for its first UK nuclear plant - expected to be at Hinkley Point, for which the company hopes to apply for planning permission in April next year - and Penly, the next plant planned in France. Procurement teams would work in France and England and contracts could be procured across both projects. EDF Energy said this parallel procurement meant suppliers would have the potential to work on an expanding portfolio of standard reactors, including those planned for Italy, the USA and China. Some delegates, however, expressed concerns that the fact that the power stations would be based on one currently under construction in Flamanville, France, would mean that French companies would already have a head start in qualifying as suppliers. EDF Energy's website for nuclear newbuild contractors is here. Slides from the day including timetable for letting contracts can be downloaded here. The Nuclear Industry Association's website for the UK nuclear supply chain is here. Source: Utility Week © Faversham House Group Ltd 2009. News articles may be copied or forwarded
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