Atkins is joining the Strategic Supply Chain Partnership for EDF Energy's Nuclear Generation business to provide additional expert engineering support as the company seeks to extend the life of its existing nuclear AGR fleet.

EDF Energy recently announced its plans to seek to extend the life of its reactors by an average of seven years, with one of the advantages being to help bridge the forecasted energy gap until new nuclear comes on line.

Stuart Crooks, Chief Technical Officer of EDF Energy's Nuclear Generation business, said: "We're pleased to announce Atkins' involvement in delivering our lifetime management strategy. Life extension will provide low carbon energy for the UK along with supporting our thriving nuclear industry and the highly skilled jobs it provides."

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Since its original formation in 2010, the Strategic Partnership, made up of EDF Energy, Amec, Doosan Power Systems and Babcock International Group has delivered real value to the life extension programme by providing crucial supply chain support and leveraging the combined knowledge, resources and expertise of four experienced companies. Coinciding with the addition of Atkins to strengthen the partnership, the remit has been expanded from lifetime extension to EDF Energy’s full breadth of aspirations.

Chris Ball, managing director of Atkins' nuclear business, said: "We have worked closely with EDF Energy supporting their operating fleet for over 30 years and this is a natural extension of that relationship. Our primary focus as a member of the Strategic Partnership will be to support EDF Energy on their aspirations of Zero Harm, maximising output and lifetime extension.

"Atkins will be bringing its technical and programme delivery experience to the full portfolio of work being invested in by EDF Energy in their existing fleet. In addition to this we will add our consultancy experience in developing and delivering complex supply chain solutions."

(CD/GK)