As the UK government-backed Sizewell C nuclear project gains traction, the industry is looking closely at its predecessor, Hinkley Point C, to understand where the next wave of contract opportunities will emerge.

In our previous Insight on Sizewell C , we highlighted the government’s approval and multi-billion-pound investment into this next-generation power station. Now, with construction activities at Sizewell C expected to ramp up, recent history at Hinkley offers a reliable preview of what’s ahead.

Hinkley Point C: A Proven Template for Supply Chain Engagement

Though many of the headline contracts for Hinkley Point C were awarded between 2016 and 2021, they offer a useful blueprint for suppliers looking to position for Sizewell C. The scopes awarded at Hinkley reflect the scale, complexity, and diversity of packages that Sizewell C will require over the next decade.

Key awards at Hinkley included:

• GE Steam Power Systems: Contract for Arabelle steam turbines, covering design, manufacturing, and commissioning.

• ENKA: Contract for prefabrication, installation, and erection of piping systems for the power island.

• Bilfinger: Multi-million-pound deal for engineering, pipe fabrication, and installation.

• Framatome: Multiple scopes including field instrumentation and nuclear systems delivery.

• Balfour Beatty JV: Formed a collaboration with NG Bailey, Cavendish Nuclear, Altrad and others to deliver engineering and technical support services.

These awards helped to activate a wide supply network, from pipe spooling and steel structures to heavy lifting, specialist welding, and commissioning. Crucially, they also opened the door to hundreds of SMEs offering manpower, logistics, QA/QC, NDT, and facilities support.

What This Means for Sizewell C

While some of the named players above may again take lead roles, Sizewell C will need a deep and diversified supply chain, including tier-2 and tier-3 subcontractors. The government’s push for regional economic benefit also means that UK-based and prequalified suppliers will be prioritized.

Now is the time for companies across the energy value chain to:

• Prequalify with the expected EPCs and OEMs

• Familiarize themselves with nuclear standards such as ONR, ISO 19443, and EDF supplier portals

• Build consortia or local partnerships to address large or integrated scopes

• Monitor early-stage procurement bulletins and engage with Sizewell C’s supply chain team

The Opportunity Ahead

If Hinkley Point C is the playbook, Sizewell C will be the sequel and the stakes are just as high. Suppliers, service providers, and manpower firms that acted early at Hinkley were able to lock in significant scopes over several years.

By learning from those who won big at HPC, companies can better prepare to win at Sizewell C.

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