– By Cam Abernethy –
French energy giant EDF will start ramping up its multibillion dollar nuclear build program in Britain by inviting hundreds of potential suppliers to a summit meeting in London next month.
Already 40 contracts worth tens of millions have been placed for work on four nuclear reactors at Hinkley Point in Somerset and Sizewell in Suffolk. But preparations are under way that will lead to the tendering of 150 major contracts worth billions.
An EDF spokesman said: "Key speakers will provide an update of the current position for Hinkley Point and Sizewell C, and ensure that UK companies are aware of the opportunities that those investment plans will create."
"Presentations in the afternoon will be led by key EDF Energy staff from engineering and will focus on the codes and standards to be used to help companies understand the requirements for working on the project."
About 650 firms have been invited to the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, in central London, on September 13 to hear how they can take part in Britain's largest construction project for decades. There have already been two supplier days in Suffolk and Somerset that were heavily over-subscribed.
More than 6,000 workers will be employed to build the reactors. The first power station at Hinkley Point, Somerset, is expected to be completed by early 2018.
Alan Cumming, EDF Energy's Head of Procurement for Nuclear New Build said: 'It has been 20 years since a new nuclear plant was built in this country."
Companies interested in attending the event should register their interest by September 3rd at www.edfenergy.com/newnuclearopportunities