Areva Lays the Groundwork for Hinkley Point C Construction

While the European Commission is investigating possible state-aid aspects of the proposed Hinkley Point C nuclear station, the provider of the technology to be used, Areva, is preparing to deliver two EPR units for the project. Robert Davies, chief executive officer of Areva UK, talks to NucNet about progress and lessons learned from EPR construction at Olkiluoto and Flamanville. Robert Davies spent 25 years in the British Royal Navy, commanding three warships, followed by Budgetary and Planning appointments in the Ministry of Defence. He completed an MBA, and then joined Framatome ANP in 1995 followed by a period as UK country director for Areva NP. In 2009, he became vice-president for Areva UK, responsible for nuclear new build. In December 2012 he was appointed chief executive officer of Areva UK. There are four Areva EPR units under construction Flamanville-3 in France, Olkiluoto-3 in Finland and Taishan-1 and Taishan-2 in China. Flamanville-3 and Olkiluoto-3 are expected to become commercially operational in 2016. Taishan-1 and Taishan-2 are expected to become operational in 2014 and 2015 respectively.