Eurovent certified manufacturer LU-VE Group has entered the nuclear energy sector with a sizeable €27 million contract to supply Air Coolers for the Hinkley Point C power plant in the UK. The Italian company, through its subsidiary Refrion, will provide cooling systems for the UK's first new generation nuclear power plant.
The contract involves the provision of cooling systems for the emergency diesel generators (EDGs) at Hinkley Point C. Signed with the Nuclear New Build Generation Company (NNB) via UK contractor Bouygues Energies & Services, the agreement specifies that initial deliveries will commence in 2025.
Hinkley Point C, being constructed by EDF Energy, a division of the French multinational EDF SA, is one of Europe's largest engineering projects. Upon completion, it will produce 3,260 MW of electricity, contributing 7% of the UK's electricity requirements and supporting the nation’s objective of zero-carbon electricity for around 6 million homes, reducing CO2 emissions by 9 million tons annually.
LU-VE's specially designed systems will cool the EDGs situated within the nuclear island of the plant. These diesel generators ensure power continuity for critical components such as the reactor cooling system during grid disconnection to secure a controlled emergency shutdown.
The Air Coolers, featuring entirely copper coils and high-strength steel structures, are built to last the full 60-year life cycle of the plant. Co-designed with key global players in the nuclear industry, they are engineered to resist explosions and earthquakes. LU-VE's approach focuses on sustainability, aiming to minimize environmental impact through every phase of the project, from design to engineering.
Matteo Liberali, Chairman and CEO of LU-VE Group, highlighted the significance of the contract: "Entering the nuclear sector via our subsidiary Refrion marks an important step in our growth, aligning with Italy's National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2050."
Products certified by Eurovent provide HVAC and Refrigeration professionals with performance reliability, energy efficiency, and access to trustworthy performance data. These advantages are crucial for sophisticated, highly technical projects like the Hinkley Point C power plant. The assurance that product data is independently tested and accurate underlines the importance of Eurovent certification in selecting high-performance systems.
