EDF Energy has selected Hampshire-based Dean & Dyball Civil Engineering to build a temporary sea jetty at the site of its proposed new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point in Somerset.

The £30m jetty will be built subject to a final decision from EDF to proceed with the new nuclear project and the contract marks another step towards readiness for work to begin.

Construction of the 500 metre-long jetty will employ 120 people at its peak and it will allow materials for the proposed Hinkley Point C station to be delivered by sea. Each ship-load will take 250 lorries off local roads, reducing carbon emissions in line with EDF Energy’s transport and sustainability strategy. After the completion of the power station, the jetty will be removed and the area restored.

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The contract follows the completion of the Planning Inspectorate’s six month long examination of EDF Energy's application to build and operate Hinkley Point C, with a recommendation to the Secretary of State due before Christmas. This month the number of Somerset companies signed up as potential suppliers to the project passed 1,000.

A final investment decision depends on further progress in agreeing a robust framework with Government, which will include a Contract for Difference to give a fair and balanced deal for consumers and investors. Hinkley Point C will see the first new nuclear reactors built in the UK for around 20 years and the proposed new station will provide enough low carbon electricity to power five million homes.

Dean & Dyball Civil Engineering, which is part of Balfour Beatty, will complete detailed engineering and on-shore and off-shore surveys before building of the jetty, the pier head and the associated on-shore structures begins. Fairport Engineering Limited has already been appointed by EDF Energy to provide the systems which will convey materials from the jetty to the construction site.

(CD/GK)