Sellafield awards 3.6 billion pound contract for nuclear asset management

Sellafield has awarded a 3.6 billion pound contract to enhance spent fuel handling and decommissioning operations at its nuclear site. The project and asset care execution agreement has been divided into two distinct lots, each assigned to different partners to manage specific aspects of the nuclear facility lifecycle. This significant procurement forms a core component of the organisation’s broader acquisition strategy for maintaining and retiring its nuclear assets.

The first lot, focused on process and mechanical handling for spent fuel management and retrievals, was awarded to OneAxIoM. This entity is a joint venture between Amentum Clean Energy and the UK-based firm Mitie. Under this arrangement, an existing facility in Egremont, West Cumbria, will undergo refurbishment. This development builds upon resources already established through the integrated asset care framework, a delivery mechanism worth over 250 million pounds that manages core construction, maintenance, and asset reliability across the nuclear complex.

The second lot, which supports batch specialist and decommissioning activities across special nuclear materials, infrastructure, and remediation, was secured by German construction and infrastructure manager Hochtief. Sellafield described this as an opportunity to adopt scalable and output-focused approaches across its assets. Both the joint venture and Hochtief are required to adhere to the Sellafield social impact multiplied strategy. This initiative aims to ensure a positive legacy by facilitating apprenticeship hires and creating local employment opportunities.

Sellafield stated that the programme will also seek to increase involvement from small and medium enterprises within the supply chain. Off-site delivery is designated as a critical element of the project, with the framework supporting modern methods of construction. This includes building, inspecting, and preparing assets off-site prior to installation. For the second lot, partners are currently evaluating new off-site locations to support efficient delivery and generate further local business opportunities.

James Riddick, Sellafield’s chief commercial officer, noted that considerable work has been invested in preparing for this long-term partnership. The framework will operate for an initial period of nine years, with an option for a further six years, extending through to 2041. In February this year, Sellafield also awarded a 45 million pound contract to LTi Metaltech for plutonium storage supply to address long-term nuclear waste disposal. The site recently returned to lower tier control of major accident hazards status following the rationalisation of chemicals such as nitric acid after the end of Thorp and Magnox reprocessing.