Efinor Engineering company opens new facility to work on net zero projects
AN international engineering company that’s supporting the construction of nuclear power plant Hinkley Point C in Somerset has created more than 60 jobs with the opening of a new facility in Bristol.
French firm Efinor’s team of specialist engineers will be based at its new manufacturing and technology centre in Avonmouth, which will allow the company to work on projects contributing to the UK energy programme’s target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Efinor will initially focus on manufacturing operations supporting Hinkley Point C for its customers BYLOR, a partnership between engineering and construction specialists Bouygues Travaux Publics, and EDF subsidiary Nuclear New Build Generation Company (NNB).
It will also provide support work for the defence sector and around decommissioning, as the UK prepares to reduce its number of operating nuclear plants from eight to two by 2030.
In addition to Hinkley Point C, Efinor will also support the construction of the proposed Sizewell C plant in Suffolk, which is being designed to replicate the Bridgwater power station.
The expansion of the Efinor operation comes less than four years after the company, which is headquartered in Normandy, opened its office in Bristol where two people initially began its work in the UK.
Efinor’s Bristol-based managing director and engineering and projects business unit group director Anthony Prod’Homme said: “Choosing the Bristol area to locate our UK headquarters was a straightforward decision because it allowed us to be close to our main customer EDF Energy subsidiary NNB and our leading projects location on the Hinkley Point C site.
“Since the start we have benefitted from this great location and from the dynamic drive of the South West region.
“This new addition to our UK capabilities will contribute to Efinor’s abilities to secure the delivery of our customers’ projects and enable us to propose new services locally and promote innovation.
“We are grateful for the support we have received from local organisations and now we are looking forward to supporting the construction of Hinkley Point C and also helping the UK achieve its net zero carbon targets.”
Nuclear South West, the publicprivate partnership organisation which champions the region, welcomed Efinor’s expansion, saying it demonstrated the “strength” and “resilience” of the region’s nuclear industry.
Andy Bates, Nuclear South West innovation manager, said: “It’s wonderful to see Efinor go from strength to strength in the South West and play a n important role in the construction of Hinkley Point C. Efinor’s success demonstrates the incredible resilience of our region’s nuclear sector which is set to play a pivotal role in getting the UK moving again and helping the nation’s clean energy transition.
“Efinor’s work within the Hinkley Point C supply chain has enabled the company to attract local talent but also support economic growth for the region and their success is a great example of how we can help companies settle in the South West.
“This is a truly fantastic success story and we are confident it will encourage more companies to invest here in the South West where we have the skilled workforce, the opportunities, the infrastructure and support structures to ensure more success.”
French energy giant EDF estimates that when finished Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C could provide low carbon electricity to meet 14% of UK demand and power around 12 million homes.