LU-VE Group has signed a €27 million contract through its Friulian subsidiary Refrion to supply cooling systems for the emergency diesel generators (EDGs) at the Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant in Somerset, UK. The agreement, made with the Nuclear New Build Generation Company (NNB) through UK contractor Bouygues Energies & Services, will see the first batches delivered in 2025.
This strategic collaboration marks a significant step for Uboldo-based LU-VE Group, enhancing its technical expertise in a sector crucial for achieving Net Zero goals and mitigating climate change.
Hinkley Point C, constructed by EDF Energy, will provide 7% of the UK's electricity consumption. The plant will generate 3,260 MW, supplying zero-carbon electricity to approximately 6 million homes and reducing CO2 emissions by 9 million tons annually.
LU-VE's advanced cooling systems, built to endure shock waves from explosions and earthquakes, will cool the EDGs in the nuclear island. These generators activate during grid disconnections, ensuring the power supply to critical components like the reactor cooling system for controlled shutdowns. The project includes Air Coolers with copper coils and high-strength steel structures, co-designed with international nuclear industry players, and designed for the plant's 60-year life cycle.
Matteo Liberali, Chairman and CEO of LU-VE Group, commented: “We are proud to have been chosen for a project of this scale and complexity. The Hinkley Point contract showcases our competence and innovation, confirming LU-VE's strong market positioning. This entry into the nuclear sector through Refrion is a significant growth milestone, aligned with the Italian Government's National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan targeting net zero emissions by 2050. My personal thanks go to the 'special team' for their dedication, passion, and exceptional technical competence.”
