Sellafield identifies partners for £3.6 billion asset care framework

The framework, called Project and Asset Care Execution (PACE), has a value of up to £3.6 billion. It will deliver asset care and asset creation activities at Sellafield. This includes smaller asset care tasks up to large more complex projects.

Subject to the formal award of the framework, the identified partners are:

Lot 1: OneAxIoM (a joint venture between Amentum Clean Energy Limited and Mitie Ltd).

Lot 1 will support the process and mechanical handling nuclear facilities. This is across Spent Fuel Management and Retrievals East River.

Lot 2: HOCHTIEF Infrastructure UK.

Lot 2 will support the batch specialist and decommissioning nuclear facilities. This is across Special Nuclear Materials, nuclear infrastructure and remediation.

PACE will improve value for money by:

• using common approaches across assets

• adopting a scalable and output-focused approach.

Partners will build long-term supply chain partnerships. This will foster innovation, skills, and sustainability.

They will support the Sellafield Social Impact, Multiplied (SIX) strategy. This helps ensure a positive legacy. This will include investing in apprenticeships, skills and local employment opportunities. PACE will maximise small and medium enterprises (SME) involvement in the supply chain.

PACE marks an exciting step forward in the way Sellafield delivers asset care.

Off-site delivery will be an important part of PACE. The framework will support modern methods of construction. This will include building, inspecting and preparing assets off site before installation.

For Lot 1, an existing facility in Egremont, West Cumbria will be refurbished. This builds on resource already established through the Integrated Asset Care (IAC) Framework.

For Lot 2, partners are considering new off-site locations. These will support efficient delivery, help create job and local business opportunities.

The frameworks will run for an initial 9 years with an option for a further 6 years, through to 2041.

PACE is a key element of Sellafield Ltd’s Overarching Acquisition Strategy. It builds on the success of 2 recent frameworks:

• The Design Service Alliance (DSA)
• The Integrated Asset Care (IAC)

Mobilisation will start once the contract is formally signed.

James Riddick, chief commercial officer, Sellafield Ltd said:

The PACE framework is a major part of our overarching acquisition strategy, and a lot of work has gone into preparing for this exciting long-term partnership.

We are looking forward to working together on the positive opportunities for both our mission and our community.

Matthew Johns, chief engineer, Sellafield Ltd commented:

Our mission is to create a clean, safe and secure environment for future generations. To do this we must ensure our assets remain safe, reliable and fit for the future.

This agreement is an important step to strengthen our asset care capability. It will provide the expertise we need to maintain a high standard of safe and efficient delivery.

We look forward to working collaboratively with OneAxIoM and HOCHTIEF. We will build a framework that delivers safe, effective and sustainable outcomes. These will benefit Sellafield and the wider community.

John Heller, chief executive officer of Amentum said:

PACE provides a significant, long-term growth opportunity for Amentum at Sellafield, building on our existing capability and relationships while also enabling us to deliver a broader, integrated full lifecycle scope on higher value projects across engineering and asset care.

Salli Shapcott, managing director, Critical Environments, Mitie, said:

Building on our long-standing relationship with Sellafield, this framework will see Mitie continue supporting Sellafield’s spent fuel management and retrievals programme through the joint venture with Amentum.

Together, we will provide end-to-end asset lifecycle support, bringing together engineering, project delivery, plant modification and ongoing asset care services to ensure critical facilities across the site continue to operate safely and reliably.

Peter Hingott, HOCHTIEF Infrastructure CEO, commented:

Our appointment to the PACE framework builds on the successful work we have delivered at Sellafield through the Infrastructure Delivery Partnership and reflects the trust our customers place in our people.

We look forward to working closely with Sellafield over the long term, supporting the site’s critical mission and creating lasting value for local communities, supply chain partners and the wider UK economy.