LU-VE Group enters nuclear sector at Hinkley Point C

LU-VE Group is to supply bespoke air coolers for the UK's first new generation nuclear power plant at Hinkley Point C in Somerset.

The €27m deal through subsidiary Refrion was signed with the Nuclear New Build Generation Company, via UK contractor Bouygues Energies & Services, with the first units to be supplied in 2025.

The Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant, built by EDF Energy, is one of the largest projects ever undertaken in Europe. One complete, it will be capable of generating 3,260MW of electricity, around 7% of the UK's energy consumption, contributing to the goal of obtaining zero-carbon electricity for about 6 million homes, with a saving of 9 million tons of CO2 each year.

LU-VE's high-tech systems, designed to withstand shock waves caused by explosions and earthquakes, will cool the emergency diesel generators (EDGs) located within the nuclear island of the power plant. These generators are activated when the nuclear plant is disconnected from the grid, ensuring the power supply to critical components such as the reactor cooling system, which is, necessary to ensure a controlled shutdown in an emergency. The project involves the creation of air coolers with entirely copper coils and high-strength steel structures, equipped with motors and fans developed in co-design with international players in the nuclear industry.

The components have been designed to last for the entire 60-year life cycle of the plant, in line with LU-VE's goal to integrate sustainability principles and standards to reduce environmental impact in all phases of the process, from design to product engineering.

Matteo Liberali, Chairman and CEO of LU-VE Group, said: “We are proud to have been chosen to work on a project of this scale and complexity. The Hinkley Point contract demonstrates our high competence and innovative capacity and confirms LU-VE's competitive market positioning, achieved thanks to the strategy of diversifying product applications, which, together with geographical diversification, represents one of our group's strengths.

"Entering the nuclear sector, achieved through our subsidiary Refrion, is an important step in our growth path, which offers new opportunities in light of the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan just submitted by the Italian Government to Brussels, aiming to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050. My personal thanks go to the entire 'special team' for the great work done with dedication, passion, and exceptional technical competence.”