Babcock and Hitachi go nuclear

Babcock, the UK-based engineering support services company, is hoping to work with Hitachi to plan and deliver its new nuclear reactors in the UK, following the Japanese company’s acquisition of Horizon Nuclear Power this week.

Under the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding, Babcock will discuss with Hitachi and its partners, including Rolls Royce, how its skills and capabilities can be best used to support the delivery of Hitachi’s nuclear new build programme in the UK.

Peter Rogers, chief executive of Babcock, said, “Our significant experience in the UK nuclear sector complements the international experience of Hitachi. We look forward to exploring how our skills, capabilities and experience can contribute to the delivery of this project of national strategic importance, meeting the future energy demands of the UK and creating long-term opportunities for UK companies.”

Hitachi bought Horizon from RWE and E.ON, and the transaction is expected to complete at the end of November. Hitachi plans to start a programme of building new nuclear power plants in the UK, including two to three of around 1,300MW at each of Horizon’s sites at Wylfa, Anglesey, and Oldbury, Gloucestershire.