Construction firms compete as EDF starts prequalification for two civils packages

Construction firms including Bouygues and Costain are understood to be vying for hundreds of millions worth of nuclear work from EDF on its first new-build reactor in the UK.

The energy giant confirmed it had sent out prequalification questionnaires for two separate civils packages and would issue tenders towards the end of the year.

At stake are two separate packages. The first, for preliminary civils work, is worth over £100m and the second, for main civils work, is worth several hundred million, EDF said.

The power firm would not confirm how many companies had registered interest but it is understood the names include Bouygues, in alliance with Laing O’Rourke and Costain, in alliance with Sir Robert McAlpine. Others thought to be interested include Carillion and Skanska.

EDF has not confirmed which site it will choose for its first reactor but it is likely to be next to existing plants at Sizewell in Suffolk or Hinckley Point in Somerset. The power plant is due to be up and running by the end of 2017.

Topics