on this page
-
Markets
-
Services
-
Location
Suffolk, England
-
Client
Sizewell C Limited
-
Collaborators
Balfour Beatty, Bouygues UK, Laing O'Rourke, Tony Gee, Sizewell C Limited
-
Completion date
2034
Gordon Riddoch
Sizewell C Civil Works Programme Director, contact form
Sizewell C is a new 3.2 ‑ GW nuclear power station being developed on the Suffolk coastline and a cornerstone of the UK’s next-generation low ‑ carbon energy assets. AtkinsRéalis has been a strategic delivery partner to the programme since 2014, bringing proven expertise from major UK nuclear programmes, including Hinkley Point C (HPC).
With site establishment and enabling works now complete and under construction, the project is moving into the design of the permanent works. Here, we're applying replicated experience and innovation from HPC to reduce cost, accelerate the schedule and strengthen engineering confidence.
As a proud engineering partner to Sizewell C, we enable safe, efficient delivery through our proven expertise and forward-thinking approach.
Please note that you are now leaving the AtkinsRéalis website (legal name: AtkinsRéalis Group inc.) and entering a website maintained by a third party (the "External Website") and that you do so at your own risk.
AtkinsRéalis has no control over the External Website, any data or other content contained therein or any additional linked websites. The link to the External Website is provided for convenience purposes only. By clicking "Accept" you acknowledge and agree that AtkinsRéalis is not responsible, and does not accept or assume any responsibility or liability whatsoever for the data protection policy, the content, the data or the technical operation of the External Website and/or any linked websites and that AtkinsRéalis is not liable for the terms and conditions (or terms of use) of the External Website. Further, you acknowledge and agree that you assume all risks resulting from entering and/or using the External Website and/or any linked websites.
BY ENTERING THE EXTERNAL WEBSITE, YOU ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT YOU COMPLETELY AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVE ANY AND ALL RIGHTS AND CLAIMS AGAINST ATKINSRÉALIS, AND RELEASE, DISCHARGE, INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS ATKINSRÉALIS, ITS OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, DIRECTORS AND AGENTS FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LIABILITY FOR LOSS, DAMAGES, EXPENSES AND COSTS ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH ENTERING AND/OR USING THE EXTERNAL WEBSITE AND/OR ANY LINKED WEBSITES AND ANY DATA AND/OR CONTENT CONTAINED THEREIN.
Such waiver and release specifically includes, without limitation, any and all rights and claims pertaining to reliance on the data or content of the External Website, or claims pertaining to the processing of personal data, including but not limited to any rights under any applicable data protection statute. You also recognize by clicking “Accept” that the terms of this disclaimer are reasonable.
The information provided by Virtua Research cited herein is provided “as is” and “as available” without warranty of any kind. Use of any Virtua Research data is at a user’s own risk and Virtua Research disclaims any liability for use of the Virtua Research data. Although the information is obtained or compiled from reliable sources Virtua Research neither can nor does guarantee or make any representation or warranty, either express or implied, as to the accuracy, validity, sequence, timeliness, completeness or continued availability of any information or data, including third-party content, made available herein. In no event shall Virtua Research be liable for any decision made or action or inaction taken in reliance on any information or data, including third-party content. Virtua Research further explicitly disclaims, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any warranty of any kind, whether express or implied, including warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement.
The consensus estimate provided by Virtua Research is based on estimates, forecasts and predictions made by third party financial analysts, as described above. It is not prepared based on information provided by AtkinsRéalis and can only be seen as a consensus view on AtkinsRéalis' possible future results from an outside perspective. AtkinsRéalis has not provided input on these forecasts, except by referring to past publicly disclosed information. AtkinsRéalis does not accept any responsibility for the quality or accuracy of any individual or average of forecasts or estimates. This web page contains forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by third parties. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between AtkinsRéalis' actual future results, financial situation, development or performance, and the estimates given here.
Project timeline (2014 - Present)
AtkinsRéalis begins supporting the Sizewell C project as a key engineering delivery partner
Design of Site Establishment and Enabling Works commence
Development Consent Order (DCO) formally approved
Major Permanent Works Design contract awarded
Site Establishment progress into the construction phase
Replicated knowledge and learning from HPC confirmed as a core part of our delivery strategy
Transition to full permanent works design using proven digital innovation from HPC
Establishing the site
Early Design Leadership
AtkinsRéalis’ role advanced in 2019 as we began the basic design for Sizewell C’s advanced works and site establishment. This phase established the optimal site layout, construction sequencing, interface management and logistics planning - critical foundations for preparing the main development area for major civil construction.
Our work during this phase included:
- Designing environmental mitigation schemes.
- Supporting SZC in developing the Development Consent Order (DCO) application, which was granted by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy in July 2022.
- Delivering the design of earthworks, roads, utilities, security fencing, temporary buildings and landscaping across the ACA, TCA and MCA construction zones.
- Delivering designs for 100 km of ducted networks, 80 km of water networks, 20 km of access roads and 14 million m³ of earthworks.
- Designing upgrades to the Sizewell Branch Line and the new Green Rail Route to enable lower-impact logistics and reduce local freight traffic.
- Designing a 2,400-bed accommodation campus and amenity building to provide high-quality living and welfare facilities for the Sizewell C workforce.
Together, these works have delivered the ancillary and temporary construction areas needed to support up to 9,000 workers, establishing the platforms, access, services and logistics required for the main construction phase.
*Images for illustrative purposes only; final design and appearance may differ.
The objective of the enabling works is to prepare the main construction site for the deep dig and the first safety‑critical concrete pour, ensuring the conditions, access and infrastructure required for major civil works are firmly in place.
Our work has included:
- Delivering a temporary sea defence and environmental barrier to define and protect the eastern and western site boundaries.
- Constructing a six-lane crossing over a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), providing critical access to the main construction site, while maintaining environmental compliance.
- Designing the desalination plant, shaft and intake tunnels, securing a reliable water supply to support early works and future construction demand.
- Designing the marine bulk import facility and beach landing facility, enabling materials and equipment to be transported by sea, therefore significantly reducing the impact on local communities.
The objective of the enabling works is to prepare the main construction site for the deep dig and the first safety‑critical concrete pour, ensuring the conditions, access and infrastructure required for major civil works are firmly in place.
Our work has included:
- Delivering a temporary sea defence and environmental barrier to define and protect the eastern and western site boundaries.
- Constructing a six-lane crossing over a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), providing critical access to the main construction site, while maintaining environmental compliance.
- Designing the desalination plant, shaft and intake tunnels, securing a reliable water supply to support early works and future construction demand.
- Designing the marine bulk import facility and beach landing facility, enabling materials and equipment to be transported by sea, therefore significantly reducing the impact on local communities.
Leveraging proven HPC replication to deliver Sizewell C
With enabling works progressing on site, AtkinsRéalis is now transitioning its focus to the design of the permanent works. This marks a shift from early site preparation to the core power‑station design, an essential step toward main civil works and full nuclear construction.
Scope of the permanent works
The core, long‑lasting infrastructure that will remain in place for the full operational life of the project.
- Conventional Island: the area of the power station that contains the turbine, generator, and associated systems responsible for converting steam into electrical power.
- Balance of Plant: all auxiliary systems and structures that support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the power station, excluding the main reactor buildings.
- Heat Sink Structures: critical infrastructure designed to dissipate excess heat from the plant, including cooling water intake systems and outfall structures.
- Permanent Roads and Networks: the long‑term transport routes, utilities, and service networks constructed to enable efficient movement, connectivity, and operations throughout both the construction and operational phases.
- Ancillary Buildings: a range of supporting facilities that enable day‑to‑day operations, such as administrative offices, workshops, storage buildings, and other essential operational spaces.
Sizewell C is being developed as a direct replication of the proven UK European Pressurised Reactor (EPR) technology used at Hinkley Point C in Somerset.
Replication provides a range of benefits, including:
- Reuse of validated and fully mature HPC designs
- Transfer of an experienced UK nuclear workforce and supply chain
- Reduced need for design changes and re-approval
- Adoption of established digital tools and construction methods
- Lower cost and risk through second‑of‑a‑kind efficiencies
AtkinsRéalis’ leadership in replication
AtkinsRéalis plays a central role in establishing and assuring design consistency across Sizewell C. Through multiple replication assessments and our work within the SZC Design Authority, we ensure that the project fully benefits from HPC learnings.
Key areas of contribution:
- Applying proven civil‑engineering processes developed at HPC
- Driving design efficiencies through digital workflows and integrated delivery
- Contributing to the Pre-Construction Safety Report
- Delivering complex analyses across cross-licensee safety documentation
- Applying HPC construction methodologies to minimise risk and accelerate delivery
Replication enables Sizewell C to reduce construction costs, shorten delivery timelines and strengthen the UK’s long‑term energy‑security and net‑zero commitments.
Please note that you are now leaving the AtkinsRéalis website (legal name: AtkinsRéalis Group inc.) and entering a website maintained by a third party (the "External Website") and that you do so at your own risk.
AtkinsRéalis has no control over the External Website, any data or other content contained therein or any additional linked websites. The link to the External Website is provided for convenience purposes only. By clicking "Accept" you acknowledge and agree that AtkinsRéalis is not responsible, and does not accept or assume any responsibility or liability whatsoever for the data protection policy, the content, the data or the technical operation of the External Website and/or any linked websites and that AtkinsRéalis is not liable for the terms and conditions (or terms of use) of the External Website. Further, you acknowledge and agree that you assume all risks resulting from entering and/or using the External Website and/or any linked websites.
BY ENTERING THE EXTERNAL WEBSITE, YOU ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT YOU COMPLETELY AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVE ANY AND ALL RIGHTS AND CLAIMS AGAINST ATKINSRÉALIS, AND RELEASE, DISCHARGE, INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS ATKINSRÉALIS, ITS OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, DIRECTORS AND AGENTS FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LIABILITY FOR LOSS, DAMAGES, EXPENSES AND COSTS ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH ENTERING AND/OR USING THE EXTERNAL WEBSITE AND/OR ANY LINKED WEBSITES AND ANY DATA AND/OR CONTENT CONTAINED THEREIN.
Such waiver and release specifically includes, without limitation, any and all rights and claims pertaining to reliance on the data or content of the External Website, or claims pertaining to the processing of personal data, including but not limited to any rights under any applicable data protection statute. You also recognize by clicking “Accept” that the terms of this disclaimer are reasonable.
The information provided by Virtua Research cited herein is provided “as is” and “as available” without warranty of any kind. Use of any Virtua Research data is at a user’s own risk and Virtua Research disclaims any liability for use of the Virtua Research data. Although the information is obtained or compiled from reliable sources Virtua Research neither can nor does guarantee or make any representation or warranty, either express or implied, as to the accuracy, validity, sequence, timeliness, completeness or continued availability of any information or data, including third-party content, made available herein. In no event shall Virtua Research be liable for any decision made or action or inaction taken in reliance on any information or data, including third-party content. Virtua Research further explicitly disclaims, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any warranty of any kind, whether express or implied, including warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement.
The consensus estimate provided by Virtua Research is based on estimates, forecasts and predictions made by third party financial analysts, as described above. It is not prepared based on information provided by AtkinsRéalis and can only be seen as a consensus view on AtkinsRéalis' possible future results from an outside perspective. AtkinsRéalis has not provided input on these forecasts, except by referring to past publicly disclosed information. AtkinsRéalis does not accept any responsibility for the quality or accuracy of any individual or average of forecasts or estimates. This web page contains forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by third parties. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between AtkinsRéalis' actual future results, financial situation, development or performance, and the estimates given here.
Our role as a key delivery partner
AtkinsRéalis contributes a unique combination of nuclear expertise, digital capability and proven major-project delivery experience that strengthens Sizewell C as it progresses toward full‑scale construction.
Our core strengths
- Deep continuity and insight, built on more than a decade of involvement in Sizewell C's development.
- Proven leadership on major design packages at Hinkley Point C, applying validated engineering approaches.
- Integrated digital‑engineering capability, enabling efficient coordination across large, multi‑disciplinary design teams.
- A strong record in optimising construction sequencing, logistics planning and safety performance, ensuring delivery confidence at every stage.
Together, these strengths position AtkinsRéalis as a central delivery partner guiding Sizewell C from early enabling works to main nuclear construction.
Services provided
Our services to EDF in the UK are multi-disciplinary with the engineering team covering:
- Transportation – logistics, bridge design and rail design
- Civil engineering, design and analysis
- Structural engineering
- Multi-disciplinary building services – Architecture, Revit, 4D modelling
- Mechanical, electrical, plumbing – Plant Design Management System
- Electrical, Control & Instrumentation - HV/AC, BMS, SCADA
Our role has also included quality and information management, design assurance, requirements management, procurement, estimating, schedule integration, risk management and analysis, cost management, supply chain management and project controls.
Project scope
- Off-site infrastructure – road, rail, accommodation campus, freight management & adoptable highways.
- Advanced works – ground investigation, ecological mitigation designs, archaeology, desalination plant & utilities.
- Site establishment – utility networks, water networks, retaining walls, temporary buildings, fencing, site roads and rail.
- Enabling works – 6 lane bridge over the SSSI, ground engineering (cut off wall, dewatering, ground improvement, tunnel access shaft), maritime (temporary and permanent sea defences, mass bulk import facility (jetty) and beach landing facility.
- Earthworks – borrow pit, bulk excavation, back fill, stockpile management, landscaping, transportation and treatment.
- Marine and tunnelling – tunnels, marine works & pre-cast concrete heads.
- Main civils – nuclear island, conventional island, heat sink, balance of plant, galleries, development areas, roads and networks in MCA and CRF pipes.
- Sitewide support – bulk materials and products, equipment supply services, logistics and freight management, accommodation and bussing, site infrastructure and facilities, security and common assets.
- Multi-Discipline engineering support - provided into the Nuclear Island and Conventional Island/Balance of Plant Programmes as well as the Technical Directorate.
Key benefits
- Sizewell C will generate enough low-carbon electricity to supply six million homes and generate electricity for 60 years.
- 3.2-gigawatt nuclear power station; an essential source for the UK’s Net Zero energy system.
- By replacing fossil-fuel power, it will avoid around nine million tonnes of carbon emissions each year compared to a gas-fired power station.
- The project will support 70,000 jobs across the UK and rely on over 3,000 UK-based suppliers.
- It will create thousands of local jobs and contribute around £4 billion to the regional economy.
Please note that you are now leaving the AtkinsRéalis website (legal name: AtkinsRéalis Group inc.) and entering a website maintained by a third party (the "External Website") and that you do so at your own risk.
AtkinsRéalis has no control over the External Website, any data or other content contained therein or any additional linked websites. The link to the External Website is provided for convenience purposes only. By clicking "Accept" you acknowledge and agree that AtkinsRéalis is not responsible, and does not accept or assume any responsibility or liability whatsoever for the data protection policy, the content, the data or the technical operation of the External Website and/or any linked websites and that AtkinsRéalis is not liable for the terms and conditions (or terms of use) of the External Website. Further, you acknowledge and agree that you assume all risks resulting from entering and/or using the External Website and/or any linked websites.
BY ENTERING THE EXTERNAL WEBSITE, YOU ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT YOU COMPLETELY AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVE ANY AND ALL RIGHTS AND CLAIMS AGAINST ATKINSRÉALIS, AND RELEASE, DISCHARGE, INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS ATKINSRÉALIS, ITS OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, DIRECTORS AND AGENTS FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LIABILITY FOR LOSS, DAMAGES, EXPENSES AND COSTS ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH ENTERING AND/OR USING THE EXTERNAL WEBSITE AND/OR ANY LINKED WEBSITES AND ANY DATA AND/OR CONTENT CONTAINED THEREIN.
Such waiver and release specifically includes, without limitation, any and all rights and claims pertaining to reliance on the data or content of the External Website, or claims pertaining to the processing of personal data, including but not limited to any rights under any applicable data protection statute. You also recognize by clicking “Accept” that the terms of this disclaimer are reasonable.
The information provided by Virtua Research cited herein is provided “as is” and “as available” without warranty of any kind. Use of any Virtua Research data is at a user’s own risk and Virtua Research disclaims any liability for use of the Virtua Research data. Although the information is obtained or compiled from reliable sources Virtua Research neither can nor does guarantee or make any representation or warranty, either express or implied, as to the accuracy, validity, sequence, timeliness, completeness or continued availability of any information or data, including third-party content, made available herein. In no event shall Virtua Research be liable for any decision made or action or inaction taken in reliance on any information or data, including third-party content. Virtua Research further explicitly disclaims, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any warranty of any kind, whether express or implied, including warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement.
The consensus estimate provided by Virtua Research is based on estimates, forecasts and predictions made by third party financial analysts, as described above. It is not prepared based on information provided by AtkinsRéalis and can only be seen as a consensus view on AtkinsRéalis' possible future results from an outside perspective. AtkinsRéalis has not provided input on these forecasts, except by referring to past publicly disclosed information. AtkinsRéalis does not accept any responsibility for the quality or accuracy of any individual or average of forecasts or estimates. This web page contains forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by third parties. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between AtkinsRéalis' actual future results, financial situation, development or performance, and the estimates given here.
The Sizewell C project has generated significant recognition for its innovative approaches and technological advancements.
TechFest – Tech Team of the Year
Our AtkinsRéalis Sizewell C Digital team were also awarded Tech Team of the Year at TechFest, emphasising how effective this team have been in driving cutting-edge technical solutions and working in true partnership to embed digital tools and technology across the project.
Constructions News – Best Use of Technology (Mass Balances)
AtkinsRéalis were awarded the Best Use of Technology for the Mass Balances System developed by AtkinsRéalis graduate engineers at Sizewell C. The system allows for multiple data sets to be presented from all different aspects of the project in a flexible format to help with high-level decision making.
Read about the full project here.
The Sizewell C project has generated significant recognition for its innovative approaches and technological advancements.
TechFest – Tech Team of the Year
Our AtkinsRéalis Sizewell C Digital team were also awarded Tech Team of the Year at TechFest, emphasising how effective this team have been in driving cutting-edge technical solutions and working in true partnership to embed digital tools and technology across the project.
Constructions News – Best Use of Technology (Mass Balances)
AtkinsRéalis were awarded the Best Use of Technology for the Mass Balances System developed by AtkinsRéalis graduate engineers at Sizewell C. The system allows for multiple data sets to be presented from all different aspects of the project in a flexible format to help with high-level decision making.
Read about the full project here.
Downloads
Trade releases