The contract moves several years of joint engineering and qualification work with EDF into the industrial manufacturing phase for high-integrity components for France’s new nuclear programme.
Picture property of EDF
TUBACEX has been selected by EDF to manufacture and supply high-integrity forged tubular components for the first two reactors of the EPR2 programme in France, with the possibility of extending the scope to additional units.
The order will be executed by IBF S.p.A., TUBACEX’s specialist manufacturing facility in Italy, and covers final qualification, manufacturing and supply of components for the Main Steam System (VVP) and the Main Feedwater System (ARE), two essential systems within the secondary circuit of an EPR2 reactor.
The award follows several years of close technical cooperation between EDF and TUBACEX engineering teams, including engineering development, material testing, qualification activities and manufacturing process validation. The contract therefore marks the transition from industrial preparation to the supply of components for France’s new nuclear programme.
The EPR2 programme comprises six new reactors planned for the Penly, Gravelines and Bugey sites, each with a capacity of approximately 1,670 MWe.
For TUBACEX, the award extends a track record that includes supplies for the maintenance of France’s existing nuclear fleet and major European EPR projects such as Hinkley Point C, Flamanville 3 and Olkiluoto 3.
“This contract is the result of several years of joint engineering and industrial qualification work with EDF. Participating in the EPR2 programme strengthens our position in one of Europe’s largest industrial and energy projects and highlights our capabilities in advanced materials, engineering, manufacturing, traceability and nuclear project management,” says Josu Imaz, Chief Executive Officer of TUBACEX.
The new contract further strengthens TUBACEX’s position across the nuclear value chain, from maintenance and lifetime-extension programmes to new large-scale reactors and next-generation nuclear technologies, contributing to the energy security in France.