Engineering firm wins contract to install electrics and instruments at Hinkley Point C nuclear plant

The world’s biggest land-based crane, Big Carl, lifted the 245-tonne domed roof onto the first reactor building at Hinkley Point C. (Image: EDF)

BGEN has been awarded the contract by GE Steam Power, which is supplying two conventional power islands for the plant, which include two Arabelle model steam turbines, generator and other equipment.

The Arabelle turbines will be the largest steam turbines ever to be built and will produce 1,770MW of electrical power, 2% more power output than a traditional configuration, with 99.96% reliability rate.

BGEN’s remit includes the design, supply and installation of electrical and instrumentation packages for Unit 1 and Unit 2 Turbine Halls of the nuclear power plant. Standing at 50 metres high, each turbine hall will house one of the Arabelle steam turbines, along with a generator and other critical equipment.

BGEN will install the Isolated Phase Busducts (IPBs), design verification, seismic qualification, supply and installation of structural support and containment systems, the installation of electrical equipment and cables, in addition to termination and testing.

Its project scope for instrumentation engineering includes the design and seismic qualification of instrument frames and canopies, the fabrication and final assembly of instrumentation and associated equipment, the supply and installation of structural support and containment systems and instrument tubing, the installation of field instruments and associated equipment, as well as cable installation, termination and testing.

Zied Ben-Chabaane, site director at GE Steam Power Systems, said: “We are delighted to sign the subcontractor agreement, for the electrical and instrumentation and control package at Hinkley Point C, with our preferred bidder, UK electrical subcontractor BGEN.

“In doing so, we mark a very important milestone in our subcontracting journey, which will support our Hinkley Point C project execution plan. Our agreement is the result of effective collaboration, cooperation, and camaraderie amongst our teams at GE Steam Power Systems, BGEN, as well as the support from our client and EDF Energy subsidiary, NNB GenCo.”

Robin Whitehead, CEO of BGEN said: “This contract that we’ve secured with GE Power Systems is our latest prestigious win within the nuclear energy sector. It’s testament to our proven collaborative approach and ability to deliver turnkey solutions in a highly regulated environment.”

Main contractor on the Hinkley Point C project is the BYLOR (Bouygues Laing O’Rourke) joint venture. Construction started in 2016 but has been delayed and is now due for completion in 2013 at a cost of up to £35 billion (US$43.7 billion).