Power Technology

Framatome signs “multi-billion” contracts for Sizewell C

The UK Government is seeking further private investment for the nuclear project based in Suffolk.

French nuclear company Framatome has signed contracts worth “multi-billion euros” with Sizewell C as it commits to helping to build the nuclear plant in Suffolk, UK. The signing follows the British Government Investment Decision in November 2022, which approved the construction of two European pressurised water reactors (EPRs) at the site.

Framatome, which is 80.5% owned by France’s EDF and 19.5% by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, said it will be responsible for the delivery of two nuclear heat production systems, from supply and design – replicating the systems at Hinkley Point C – to their commissioning. The French company will also provide the safety instrumentation and control systems and will fabricate the nuclear fuel needed for the two reactors under a long-term agreement.

Sizewell C is scheduled to have two EPRs producing a combined 3.2GW of electricity. The two units will be similar in design to those being built at Hinkley Point C in Somerset.

Bernard Fontana, CEO of Framatome, said: “Framatome is proud to continue supporting the UK’s net zero target by 2050 by delivering a replica of the Hinkley Point C project at Sizewell C. The project will benefit from the valuable experience garnered from Hinkley Point C and our teams are determined to make it a success.”

Initially, EDF entered a partnership with China General Nuclear (CGN) to build Sizewell C, with the French state company owning an 80% stake and CGN owning 20%. However, due to ongoing geopolitical tensions between London and Beijing, the UK Government forced CGN out of the investment in November 2022 by acquiring 50% of the project for £700m ($844m), leaving EDF with the remaining 50%.

In January, the government invested an additional £1.3bn in an effort to attract private investors to the project as operating costs continue to soar above predictions. To get the delay-ridden project built, the government has attempted to draw private investment through a mechanism that shares the risk of construction costs with the public.

According to Bloomberg, British energy company Centrica said it is considering investing in Sizewell, piquing Downing Street’s hopes of a final investment decision on the project by later this year.