Nuclear energy

Legal specialists in nuclear energy and national infrastructure

Our nuclear energy and national infrastructure team has extensive experience advising on major strategic projects, with a vision to become a leading provider of legal advice for Tier 1 and SME businesses and consortia.

This is a very heavily regulated area of law, especially in terms of safety, security and quality and involves complex industrial arrangements. Our multi-disciplinary team of lawyers advises and supports the nuclear industry, often dealing with commercial, construction, employment, planning and the environment and other regulatory contractual queries.

Our nuclear energy expertise

We have been involved in the new nuclear energy arena since 2010 and have built up a strong reputation supporting the construction of Hinkley Point C (HPC), the first new UK nuclear power plant to be built in over a generation.

HPC is very much in the public eye and is of ongoing national and international political importance. The construction cost of HPC is £20 billion over a 10-year period and is the first of a planned series of new nuclear power stations to be built across the UK, as part of the Government’s long term low carbon energy strategy.

On an on-going basis, we act for and proactively support a number of Tier 1 preliminary and site operations consortia on NEC3 contracts, with contract values exceeding £500 million to ensure that the project runs smoothly. As the projects moves into the civils then mechanical, electrical and air conditioning phases we are increasingly supporting these contractors and consortia.

Working with our clients we identify potential risks and opportunities by providing practical advice for the businesses to bridge any legal or contractual obstacles, bringing in experienced and relevant experts from the business when required.

Early work focused on corporate activity setting up joint ventures and consortia to create Somerset Passenger Stations (transportation) and FACE (reprographics) led by corporate Partner Simon Smith. Once preferred bidder status was obtained, we advised these two new businesses, as well as HOST (accommodation) throughout the NEC contract process. We also advised one of the Somerset Larder (catering) JV Partners on property and construction matters in relation to the Central Production Kitchen.

Clarke Willmott are delighted to support the Hinkley Professional Services Group (PSG) as a board member. The Hinkley PSG is a collection of businesses that have either direct experience of advising businesses or consortia already involved in the Hinkley Point C project or relevant transferable experience, of which Clarke Willmott have been engaged for over 10 years.

HPC – our nuclear energy legal experience in action (SPS)

We reached financial close on a 10-year NEC3-based contract for the headline Hinkley Point C Nuclear Power Project. The deal to transport workers to and from the construction site is worth around £150m and negotiations on behalf of our joint-venture client were led by our specialist team. We worked with our client to overcome legal and commercial challenges, giving clear practical advice in plain English.

Initially, our corporate/commercial team set up a joint venture (JV) company for our client (Crosville Motor Services) with its JV partner (First Group). The newly formed JV company, now known as Somerset Passenger Solutions, chose us, rather than First’s existing lawyers, to lead the negotiations against EDF.

Contact a nuclear energy specialist today

Our cross disciplinary team of solicitors from our Taunton and Bristol offices, led by partner Simon Smith, are all actively involved in supporting regional partners of the Hinkley Supply Chain. In addition, the team have been bolstered by the appointment of Dale Edwards, Consultant Specialist – Nuclear Energy and Infrastructure who has been heavily involved in the Hinkley Supply Chain since 2015.

Our nuclear specialists are based in Bristol, Taunton, Cardiff, Manchester, London, Birmingham and Southampton and are ready to discuss your case. Call today on 0800 652 8025 for a free consultation or get in touch online.

Images of Hinkley Point C courtesy of EDF Energy.