Leiston, Suffolk — 30 June 2025 — In a significant boost for the UK’s nuclear infrastructure programme, Sizewell C has signed a Programme Alliance Agreement with three major construction firms—Balfour Beatty, Laing O’Rourke, and Bouygues Travaux Publics—to form a Civil Works Alliance (CWA). The partnership will play a vital role in delivering the main civil engineering components of the new nuclear power station .
🏗️ Scope of the Civil Works Alliance
The CWA will oversee key aspects of the project, including:
- Enabling works and earthmoving
- Marine and tunnelling works (three 3 km undersea tunnels)
- Main civil works for both the Nuclear and Conventional Islands, heat sink, and balance-of-plant facilities
- Infrastructure including permanent roads and utility networks
By embedding Sizewell C as a “Client Participant” within the alliance and adopting a Target Outturn Cost (TOC) contracting model, the initiative aims to enhance cost control, transparency, productivity, and collaboration
💬 Voices from the Alliance
Nigel Cann, Joint Managing Director of Sizewell C, emphasised the value of experience and innovation:
“This agreement ensures that our civils programme will be delivered by three companies with deep experience of building to the highest nuclear standards. Hinkley Point C has done the heroic work to restart our industry… With our CWA partners, we will use replication and innovation to build on that progress and deliver Sizewell C more efficiently and with improved productivity.”
Leo Quinn, CEO of Balfour Beatty, highlighted the wider significance:
“Sizewell C represents a critical investment in Britain’s energy security and net-zero future… we are proud to be bringing background knowledge and experience from Hinkley Point C to this critical national infrastructure project.”
Jean‑Philippe Trin, Deputy CEO of Bouygues Construction, added:
“Sizewell C illustrates Bouygues Construction’s commitment to supporting the development of low‑carbon energy solutions, building on the extensive experience […] through its involvement in major nuclear projects.”
Cathal O’Rourke, CEO of Laing O’Rourke, praised the alliance:
“The experience we have gained at Hinkley will power our delivery of Sizewell C… Working with our partners, we will deliver the project securely with a laser focus on safety, quality and productivity.”
⚡ Why This Alliance Matters
- Replication of best practices: Leveraging expertise from Hinkley Point C ensures proven methodologies and lessons learned are carried forward.
- Economic boost for Suffolk: The CWA will create an estimated 3,000–4,000 long‑term jobs over the 8‑year civil works programme, contributing to the project’s peak on-site workforce of around 7,900 .
- Government support: The alliance aligns with a broader £14.2 billion public investment announced this month, forming part of the UK’s “golden age” of nuclear energy .
🔧 Where We Are Now & What’s Next
- Preliminary works began in January 2024, progressing on time and within budget .
- The alliance will now swiftly commence marine, tunnelling, and earthworks, crucial for establishing the nuclear island’s foundations.
- A Final Investment Decision is expected this summer, following the commitment of private-sector financiers alongside government support .
✅ Final Word
The formation of the Civil Works Alliance marks a pivotal moment for the Sizewell C project. By bringing together experienced, nuclear-ready firms under a unified, transparent TOC model, the alliance strengthens the UK’s capacity for large-scale, low-carbon infrastructure. It sets a strong precedent for the efficient, collaborative delivery of the next phase of Britain’s nuclear development—and offers tangible economic benefits for the Suffolk region and the nation’s energy security.