Rolls-Royce and EDF in nuclear build tie-up

16th Sep 2009 11:40

Rolls-Royce and French power company EDF Energy are collaborating on a project to help build four new nuclear power plants in the UK.The tie-up covers engineering and technical support during both the pre and post construction phases, according to a statement Wednesday.'In addition, joint development, validation and supervision of the supply chain, together with the potential for the provision of nuclear related systems, will be explored,' Rolls said.The UK firm announced in July plans to build a new factory to make, assemble and test systems and components for nuclear power stations.Four new European Pressurised Reactors (EPR) nuclear reactors are planned for the UK, at Hinkley Point in Somerset and Sizewell in Suffolk. 'Subject to the right investment framework being in place we intend to develop 4 EPRs in the UK by 2025 with the first operational by the end of 2017,' said Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson, Managing Director of EDF Energy's Nuclear New Build business.