Engineering news
A major contract to extend the operation of seven UK nuclear power stations, including two in Lancashire, has been signed, safeguarding 1,000 jobs.
Doosan Babcock's deal with French energy giant EDF is expected to be worth £70 million a year, over several years.
The contract covers seven of EDF's eight nuclear power stations - Dungeness B in Kent, Hunterston B in North Ayrshire, Hinkley Point B in Somerset, Hartlepool, Heysham 1 and 2 in Lancashire and Torness in East Lothian.
Under the so-called lifetime enterprise agreement (LEA), Doosan Babcock will support the ongoing operation of the power stations and deliver projects to support life extension.
The work is expected to require 1,000 skilled employees at any one time, and the agreement will come to an end when the last of the seven power stations ceases power generation.
Cameron Gilmour, Babcock's nuclear service director, said: "Doosan Babcock has a long history of supporting EDF Energy in the UK nuclear sector and we are delighted to have been given this opportunity to further build our relationship.
"The LEA is the result of close collaboration and a great deal of planning from both our companies, and will give EDF Energy access to a range of specialist skills and technologies that will support its UK power generation strategy long into the future."
Brian Cowell, director of nuclear operations at EDF, said: "Doosan Babcock's unique range of skills and capabilities in nuclear engineering, combined with its longstanding relationship with EDF Energy, makes it the ideal partner to deliver the lifetime enterprise agreement.
"The contract will enable us continue to deliver the secure, reliable, low carbon electricity the UK needs now and into the future."
Energy minister, Michael Fallon, commented: "This shows that nuclear presents big opportunities for highly-skilled jobs, sustainable growth, and the lasting legacy of a UK supply chain. I want to make sure that the UK is at the forefront of this growing industry."