EDF Energy has held its second national supply chain event for UK contractors bidding for billions of pounds worth of work on its nuclear new build programme.

The 'New Nuclear Opportunities' forum highlighted the role that British businesses will have in delivering the company's plans to invest in new nuclear power stations in the UK.

EDF Energy proposes to build four new nuclear EPRs, with partner Centrica, subject to the right investment framework being in place.

EDF Energy announced the project has let over 130 contracts to British companies or consortia involving British companies to date, with a total value exceeding £50m. The announcement demonstrates how such major investment plans are already generating considerable commercial opportunities for the UK supply chain.

The programme is expected to lead to about 150 further, major contracts worth many billions of pounds, and UK business is expected to play a considerable role.

Contracts include site preparation for Hinkley Point, awarded to Kier BAM. The work will include perimeter fence erection and providing site access improvements and utility connections.

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The London event was attended by 650 people from around 400 companies on Monday 13 September.

Speeches from Charles Hendry Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change and Secretary of State Vince Cable MP provided the Government’s perspective on the important role the project is playing in filling the energy gap and boosting the UK economy.

Mr Hendry said: "The multi-billion pound opportunities these projects provide for UK industry and jobs are huge. I am very encouraged by the drive of companies such as EDF Energy and by the enthusiasm of companies, local and national to get involved. These projects can help revitalise entire sectors of the British economy and create a UK industry with the skills to export and compete around the world.

"Events such as this today demonstrate the drive to meet our climate change targets and provide the secure, low carbon energy our country needs."

Suppliers have been given information about the EDF Energy procurement process and the work packages which will be available for bids.

Tom Tagg, JV Director for Kier BAM, said: "The Kier BAM Joint Venture is pleased to have been awarded the first construction contract for the site preparation works at EDF's Hinkley Point C new nuclear power station. The Kier BAM JV will bring its local and nuclear pedigree and skills to the project to support EDF in its plans to build the first new nuclear power station in the UK for over 20 years.

"This project not only represents the first steps towards closure of the impending UK energy gap, but it also provides a vital boost to the construction industry during this time of austerity. Projects such as this create opportunities and jobs just when British industry needs them."

Donald Lawson, Faithful+Gould's UK Chief Operating Officer, said: "To be awarded this strategic consultancy work from EDF Energy on its Nuclear New Build project is great news and I am delighted that we will be working seamlessly with them to ensure that the procurement delivers the best engineering solutions, a robust timetable and a project that will set a benchmark for the industry."

(CD/KMcA)