Sizewell C has partnered with three of the industry’s top construction companies—Balfour Beatty, Laing O’Rourke, and Bouygues Travaux Publics—through a new Programme Alliance Agreement to provide the central civil engineering work on the new Suffolk nuclear power station. They have merged as the Civil Works Alliance (CWA), who will provide the project’s backbone infrastructure.
The partnership unites the three contractors and Sizewell C as a single delivery team. Over the duration of the 8-year civil works programme, the CWA is expected to employ between 3,000 and 4,000 workers.
Scope of Work
The Civil Works Alliance will oversee several critical components of the project, including:
Enabling and earthworks
Marine and tunnelling work, including three 3-kilometre-long undersea tunnels
Main civils construction for the Nuclear and Conventional Islands, Heat Sink, and Balance of Plant
Permanent roads and utility network ancillary works
All three companies are already deeply involved in major UK and international infrastructure projects, including their current roles at Hinkley Point C, where they’ve been instrumental in restarting nuclear construction in the country.
CWA Executives Pledge Quality, Safety, and Value in Sizewell C Delivery
Nigel Cann, Joint Managing Director of Sizewell C, emphasized the advantages of having experienced partners:
“With this agreement, we’re entrusting the civil works to three companies with proven expertise in meeting nuclear-grade construction standards. The progress seen between the first and second reactor units at Hinkley Point C shows how much has been learned. Together with our alliance partners, we’ll build on that momentum at Sizewell C—delivering both high value for consumers and a project the UK can take pride in.”
As an entirely embedded member of the Alliance, Sizewell C will be a ‘Client Participant’ and employ a Target Outturn Cost (TOC) methodology. This is designed to facilitate cost control, transparency, and partnership working for all partners.
Balfour Beatty Group Chief Executive Leo Quinn reflected on national importance of the project:
“Sizewell C is a key step forward in the UK’s pursuit of energy independence and a net-zero future. We’re proud to bring our experience from Hinkley Point C into this alliance, reaffirming our role in delivering complex nuclear infrastructure and supporting the UK’s low-carbon transition.”
Laing O’Rourke’s Group CEO, Cathal O’Rourke, echoed the sentiment:
“Our work at Hinkley has equipped us to take on Sizewell C with the same focus on safety, quality, and productivity. I’m proud to see Laing O’Rourke contributing to a project that will help make cleaner, more affordable energy a reality for Britain.”
Jean-Philippe Trin, Deputy CEO of Bouygues Construction, highlighted the project’s alignment with global energy goals:
“Sizewell C reflects our broader commitment to expanding low-carbon energy solutions. It builds on the knowledge and capabilities we’ve developed through decades of involvement in large-scale nuclear initiatives.”
Progress and Future Outlook
Initial construction began in January 2024 and the scheme has already met its first targets on time and budget. The Sizewell C site will employ approximately 7,900 people at its peak, with tens of thousands of additional jobs created across the UK wider supply chain.
Earlier this month, the UK Government used Sizewell C to describe the country’s new “golden age” of nuclear growth. It restated £14.2 billion of investment over the next five years. A Final Investment Decision, scheduled later this summer, will confirm private sector backers who will be supplying the project’s long-term funding.
Read also: The UK to Develop Eight Additional Nuclear Power Plants
Sizewell C Civil Works Alliance – Project Factsheet
Project Overview
Sizewell C has formed the Civil Works Alliance (CWA) through a Programme Alliance Agreement with three leading construction companies to deliver the main civil engineering works for the new nuclear power station in Suffolk.
Alliance Partners
Balfour Beatty
Laing O’Rourke
Bouygues Travaux Publics
Sizewell C (Client Participant)
Key Project Details
Timeline & Workforce
Programme Duration: 8 years
CWA Workforce: 3,000-4,000 workers
Peak Site Employment: 7,900+ workers
Construction Start: January 2024
Scope of Work
The Civil Works Alliance will deliver:
Enabling and earthworks
Marine and tunnelling activities (including three 3km undersea tunnels)
Main civils construction for Nuclear and Conventional Islands
Heat Sink and Balance of Plant infrastructure
Ancillary works (permanent roads and utility networks)
Financial Framework
Delivery Model: Target Outturn Cost (TOC) approach
Government Investment: £14.2 billion over five years
Final Investment Decision: Expected summer 2025
Read also: Sizewell C nuclear power station project in the UK
