EDF subsidiary Framatome Ltd is advocating for sustainable nuclear energy in the UK
For over 65 years, Framatome Ltd (Framatome) has been a world leader in designing, manufacturing, and servicing nuclear steam supply systems for nuclear power plants, equipment and fuel, instrumentation, and control command systems. The company has more than 70 locations in 20 countries and has been present in the UK for around 20 years. Throughout this time, it has addressed the major challenges of safe and sustainable energy supply faced by its customers throughout the world, delivering solutions and services to various industries including the defense, space, and healthcare sectors. The company has manufactured equipment for 105 nuclear power plants and provided services to over 380 plants. Other business lines include Cybersecurity and Valves & Components. For Cybersecurity, Framatome offers proven solutions for audit and governance where services are tailored for secure cyber architecture programs. In critical industries such as the nuclear sector, cyber security is more than a technical necessity, it’s a cornerstone of safety, reliability, and resilience.
In the UK, Framatome employs almost 500 people, and has offices in Avonmouth, Aztec West (Bristol), HPC, Sizewell B, and Cranfield (Bedfordshire). It recently acquired Efinor and BHR group, and has also become significantly involved in the Sizewell C nuclear power project in Suffolk.
Elaborating on Framatome in the UK, CEO Ian Henderson said: “Our two Centres of Excellence are based in Avonmouth and Cranfield, and our activity currently focuses on the supply of manufacturing solutions, technology, welding and services to Sizewell B and to NNB Hinkley Point C (HPC), both directly and through our work within EPR Engineering Ltd. This will be replicated for Sizewell C.
“We have signed multi-billion-pound contracts with Sizewell Ltd for key equipment for the two reactors from the design phase up to commissioning. We have also signed a long-term fuel supply.
“Framatome will be responsible for the delivery of the two nuclear steam supply systems and for the plant’s safety instrumentation and control systems. The longer-term agreements will cover the fabrication of the fuel for the first cores and numerous subsequent reloads for the two reactors and for services and maintenance to support the operation of the plant. We will also be responsible for the long-term maintenance of Sizewell C. The two European Pressurised Reactors (EPRs) will generate 3.2 GW of low carbon electricity and power the equivalent of around six million homes for 60 years.”
Framatome Ltd has long-standing Valves and Components expertise at the company’s Cranfield Centre of Excellence in Bedfordshire. Commenting further on this, Ian explains, “we offer qualification and certification of valves and other components to UK regulatory standards as well as international standards.”
Ian continues with further details about Framatome’s operations. “The HPC project will be an integral point of reference as the company moves forward with its Sizewell C development. Framatome is proud to continue supporting the UK Government’s strategy for energy security and net-zero targets by 2050, and as we have been involved in the construction of Hinkley Point C since 2017 where we have designed and are manufacturing the reactor pressure vessel Unit 1, we will be delivering a replica of the project at Sizewell C. The project will benefit from the valuable experience garnered from HPC and our teams are determined to make it a success. The design phase of the two nuclear steam supply systems will be replicated from HPC.”
Framatome’s specialized welding school at its Centre of Excellence in Avonmouth is also manufacturing high-quality components for Sizewell C, demonstrating even further how significant its involvement is in the project.
Ian is confident that Sizewell C will play a huge role in helping the UK reduce carbon emissions by providing a large, stable supply of low-carbon electricity for decades to come.
“Nuclear power emits very little CO₂. Replacing gas with Sizewell C’s output is expected to avoid around nine million tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year once
operational, which is the equivalent of taking around five million cars off UK roads.
“Nuclear power also supports grid stability for renewables. It provides reliable baseload electricity, ensuring the grid remains stable when wind or solar output fluctuates. This reduces the need for fossil ‘backup’ plants that otherwise would have to balance renewable intermittency, thus further cutting emissions and grid balancing costs to consumers.”
With Sizewell C being a major current project for Framatome, the company is helping to drive progress towards a sustainable energy future through international cooperation. Cross-border collaboration combined with local expertise will ensure that the UK benefits from proven low-carbon nuclear technology already deployed in France, Finland, and China and will consider lessons learned from other EPR projects, such as Hinkley Point C, including safety, quality and cost control.
Regarding the localization of Framatome’s UK supply chain, Ian explains that this is a priority for the company. “One of our objectives includes forming strategic partnerships with local small and medium-sized companies in the areas where we work, as well as key industrial players, nuclear institutes and academia. We invest in our people as well as providing a shared or direct capital investment into the UK supply chain and local communities.”
Framatome Ltd has expanded rapidly in line with the UK energy sector and associated industries, and it has plenty of exciting new developments in the pipeline. It recently announced partnerships with Perpetual Atomics and the European Space Agency and is also planning the construction of a nuclear fuel fabrication facility in the UK. This facility will scale up Framatome’s operations in the UK, ready for the new generation of nuclear reactors.
In preparation for this growth, Framatome is actively recruiting to increase its workforce and has substantial plans over the next five years and beyond: “We have a lot of exciting projects with our UK customers and a clear vision of where we are going,” Ian concludes. “We will strive continuously to empower a sustainable future through market leading solutions, with high performing teams delivering advanced nuclear technologies.”
Framatome Ltd offers its customers a pragmatic and field-orientated approach, where safety and customer satisfaction are the ultimate goals.