EDF to Host Suppliers Conference in London for Nuclear Opportunities

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--EDF Energy (London), a leading integrated energy company with operations in electricity generation and distribution across the United Kingdom, will host a conference on June 30 in London to outline its investments in new nuclear projects. The company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Electricite de France SA (EPA:EDF) (Paris), plans to build four European pressurized reactors (EPR) in the U.K. by 2025, with the first unit expected to be commissioned by 2017.

The objective of the conference is to inform suppliers in the U.K. of the supply chain and employment opportunities that would be generated by the firm's investment. The national event will be followed by regional-level conferences in eastern, southwestern and northwestern England.

EDF Energy plans to invite tenders for nearly 150 contracts worth billions of dollars as part of the project to build the reactors. During the forum, the company will offer basic information on the procurement process to all suppliers. In addition, potential suppliers would also be able to obtain detailed information on EDF Energy's new business policies, structures and specific work packages that will be open for bidding.

The one-day event will take place at Hotel Novotel and will stress on the importance of low carbon investment in the U.K. and the government's initiatives in reducing carbon emissions by 2020, as well as outline the structure of the project, safety and licensing aspects, and focus on EDF's capability in nuclear engineering. Tier 1,2 and 3 suppliers offering services in sectors such as construction, civil engineering, specialist nuclear, safety case engineering, procurement support and manufacturing surveillance are expected to participate in the event.

EDF Energy is initiating the procurement process for the EPRs this year. Nuclear power contributes to 18% of the U.K.'s total energy mix. Many of the country's existing nuclear power stations would reach the end of their useful lives by 2016. EDF Energy's plan to build the new reactors in cooperation with Areva SA (EPA:CEI) (Paris) is an initiative to replace the existing reactors in order to bridge the energy gap. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs, commercial opportunities, and supply chain projects for local businesses.

EDF Energy provides electricity to nearly 25% of the U.K.'s population through its distribution network. The company caters to the gas needs of nearly 5.5 million residential and commercial customers. EDF Energy primarily uses coal and gas as fuel to produce electricity. As part of an initiative to reduce its carbon footprint, the company has committed to decreasing carbon dioxide emissions from power generation by 60% by 2020. Augmenting nuclear power generation capacity is a key part of this strategy. The company also plans to invest in renewable energy projects with a total production capacity of 1,000 megawatts by 2012.

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