Framatome signs multi-billion euro contracts for UK's Sizewell C

Framatome has signed contracts worth multi-billion euros with Sizewell C Ltd., following the UK government's decision in November 2022 to approve the construction of two EPR reactors.

The contracts will see Framatome deliver two nuclear heat production systems, from design phase through to commissioning.

Framatome will also provide the plant’s safety instrumentation and control systems.

Also part of the agreements are a long-term fuel supply agreement, under which Framatome will fabricate the fuel needed to power the two reactors, as well as a contract for long-term services and maintenance to support the operation of the plant.

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Bernard Fontana, CEO of Framatome commented in a statement: “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."

The 3.2GW Sizewell C power station will generate low-carbon electricity for around 6 million homes for a period of 60 years.

It will be a close replica of Hinkley Point C which is currently under construction in Somerset.

Both power stations will use European Pressurised Water Reactors (EPR's), a type of Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) considered amongst the safest and most efficient civil nuclear power generators.

According to EDF Energy, the UK EPR is designed to use less uranium and produce almost a third less long-lived radioactive waste compared with water reactors in operation today.

For insight into why nuclear power is essential to achieving a resilient energy system, listen to this episode of the Energy Transitions Podcast with Dr Sama Bilbao y Leon, director general of the World Nuclear Association.