Powering tomorrow
Maintaining the efficient operation of a key component of the UK’s generating capacity, at a time of increased demand, is a top priority for the customer. Balfour Beatty’s nuclear experience and its ability to offer the appropriate mix of planning, project management, maintenance and project work, secured a seven-year contract.
British Energy Group plc, now part of EDF Energy, is the UK’s largest producer of electricity. It provides around one-sixth of the nation’s electricity, the majority of which is generated by the company’s network of nuclear power stations.
In 2008, Balfour Beatty companies combined to provide facilities management (FM) services to all eight nuclear operations, plus the company’s offices in East Kilbride and Gloucester.
The contract is for an initial seven years with an optional five-year extension.
Building a partnership
Balfour Beatty has worked on British Energy sites for over 30 years, with a history of delivering a range of cost-effective services, together with an excellent safety record.
It was the additional ability to integrate FM services fully, while also demonstrating the capability and willingness to undertake additional project work, that was instrumental in winning the contract.
Wider opportunities
Both parties were keen to explore the opportunities to enhance the client’s power station assets, as well as delivering FM services. Following a comprehensive review, Balfour Beatty committed to upgrading those assets over the first four years of the contract, using staff already employed on-site.
Engineering and construction
Balfour Kilpatrick is providing mechanical and electrical services, as part of the integrated team.Safety focus
In the nuclear environment, safety is absolutely critical. Balfour Beatty has an established reputation in the sector, winning the resident engineer’s safety award for two consecutive years at British Nuclear Fuels’ Sellafield plant.
For this project, we developed a new cultural awareness approach to safety, which aligns with the client’s own Nuclear Professionalism initiative. The scheme focuses on addressing hazards before they create incidents. During 2008, this approach identified and removed some 800 hazards from British Energy sites.
Professional and support services
Balfour Beatty WorkPlace, a market leader in facilities management and support services, and Balfour Beatty Management, which provides project management and consultancy, are working together to deliver the innovative contract.
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