New British nuclear power plant Sizewell C secures turbine and nuclear fuel supply contracts

The Sizewell C project, a new British nuclear power plant, has reached two contractual milestones. The power plant’s representatives have signed a contract for the supply of turbine islands and secured nuclear fuel supplies for both units for their first years of operation. The United Kingdom decided to build the new two-unit nuclear power plant, with a total capacity of 3 260 MW, this July. Preparatory work at the site has been underway for almost two years, but construction is still awaiting its official start.

Representatives of the Sizewell C project, a new British nuclear power plant, announced two significant milestones. The first is the signing of a contract with Arabelle Solutions (an EDF subsidiary) to supply turbine islands for both units. Under the contract, Arabelle Solutions will supply its most powerful steam turbines, including generators and other supporting technologies. Neither party disclosed the value of the contract.

“We are proud of the contribution Arabelle Solutions’ world-class turbine island technology will make at Sizewell C in supplying low-carbon electricity to millions of British consumers. Our commitment to a long-term partnership also includes supporting workforce training and skills development to fulfil the United Kingdom’s nuclear ambitions for future generations,” said Catherine Cornand, CEO of Arabelle Solutions.

Each unit will have a turbine comprising high-pressure and intermediate-pressure sections and three low-pressure sections, mounted on a shared 70-metre shaft with a 1700 MW electrical generator. The longest blades in the turbine’s low-pressure section measure 75 inches, or just over 190 cm. In operation, these blades rotate at 1500 revolutions per minute in combination with a four-pole electrical generator.

“After many years of work at Hinkley Point C, I am delighted that such an experienced and committed company as Arabelle Solutions has won this contract. Their attention to detail and drive to keep innovating are second to none. Awarding this contract is a truly significant moment for our project, as these two turbines will ultimately supply enough low-carbon energy to power up to six million homes,” said Nigel Cann, CEO of the Sizewell C project.

The United Kingdom decided to build a new nuclear power plant with a total installed capacity of 3.2 GW in July this year. Technicians began preparatory work at the power plant site in early 2024. The project is still awaiting its official start, marked by the first pour of concrete.

Nuclear fuel secured for the first 6 years of operation

The second announced milestone is the signing of a strategic contract with Urenco and Framatome for nuclear fuel enrichment and supply. The contract with Urenco will support the power plant’s first six years of operation and help sustain around a thousand existing jobs at Urenco’s enrichment facility in northwest England.

“The importance of Sizewell C to the United Kingdom’s energy future cannot be overstated, and Urenco is proud to have been selected as a supplier,” said Boris Schucht, CEO of Urenco.

A long-term fuel fabrication contract with Framatome will ensure that Sizewell C’s nuclear fuel, made from enriched uranium, is produced at a factory in France. This will continue until a new nuclear fuel fabrication plant becomes available in the United Kingdom.

“Framatome is proud to extend its partnership with Sizewell C. We remain deeply committed to helping the country achieve its carbon neutrality goals and contributing to greater fuel supply security through a diversified and resilient supply chain,” added Lionel Gaiffe, senior vice president at Framatome.

For the United Kingdom, this is the second new nuclear power plant of the 21st century. Its sister plant, Hinkley Point C, has been under construction since 2018, with commissioning expected in 2029 and 2030.

The country expects the gradual construction of four new nuclear units to build up know-how and progressively make construction more efficient and faster. Both power plants have a planned operating life of 60 years and are intended above all to ensure stable supplies of clean electricity for the United Kingdom.