HOCHTIEF Awarded Long-Term Nuclear Infrastructure Contract at Sellafield Worth Up to £595 Million
Following a competitive procurement process, Sellafield Ltd has awarded HOCHTIEF (UK) Construction a major contract as part of a wider framework agreement valued at up to £2.9 billion. The award is part of the Infrastructure Delivery Partnership (IDP) – a long-term programme to provide critical infrastructure supporting nuclear operations and decommissioning at the Sellafield site in Cumbria, UK.
HOCHTIEF’s share of the contract is worth up to £595 million (€685 million) over a potential 15-year term, consisting of an initial nine years with the option to extend for a further six. The contract scope includes the design, engineering, and delivery of civil infrastructure needed to enable Sellafield’s nuclear clean-up mission.
The IDP represents a strategic commitment by Sellafield Ltd to work collaboratively with selected partners in delivering large-scale, complex infrastructure works in support of its long-term objectives – including the safe decommissioning of the UK’s most hazardous nuclear site.
HOCHTIEF to Play Key Role in Nationally Significant Programme
HOCHTIEF, part of the global ACS Group, brings more than 60 years of nuclear sector experience to the project. The company has a longstanding reputation for delivering complex infrastructure in highly regulated environments, making it well-suited to the demands of the Sellafield site.
Juan Santamaría Cases, CEO of HOCHTIEF and parent company ACS Group, emphasized the importance of the partnership:
Securing this strategic, long-term partnership reinforces HOCHTIEF’s unbroken legacy in the nuclear sector since the 1950s. We are proud to be a trusted partner in engineering and construction for some of the world’s most critical nuclear programmes.”
“Together with Sellafield and its delivery partners, we are committed to delivering the resilient infrastructure essential to this nationally significant mission, while fostering sustainable growth and opportunity for the people of West Cumbria and beyond.”
Santamaría also highlighted that this award further expands HOCHTIEF’s growing portfolio of complex infrastructure and nuclear projects, demonstrating confidence from globally significant clients in the company’s capabilities.
Supporting Nuclear Decommissioning and Community Regeneration
Sellafield Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of the UK’s Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), is responsible for the safe decommissioning of nuclear facilities and the management of radioactive waste. The IDP plays a key role in enabling this work by ensuring reliable and cost-effective infrastructure support.
James Riddick, Sellafield’s Chief Supply Chain Officer, explained the broader value of the programme:
“Our mission at Sellafield is to create a clean and safe environment for future generations. To do that, we must safely, securely, and cost-effectively manage the legacy of historic nuclear operations on our site.”
“The Infrastructure Delivery Partnership is a long-term strategic framework designed not only to provide essential support for this mission but also to unlock investment and opportunities for the local community. We’re excited to welcome HOCHTIEF and our other new partners and look forward to working together to deliver lasting value for West Cumbria and the wider UK.”
Focus on Sustainability, Collaboration, and Innovation
The IDP has been developed to promote collaboration across the supply chain and deliver sustainable outcomes that align with the UK government’s net-zero and levelling-up agendas. The framework will support the construction of new buildings, upgrades to existing assets, roads, utilities, and other critical infrastructure essential to nuclear decommissioning and site transformation.
HOCHTIEF’s involvement reflects its ability to deliver in high-security and high-regulation environments, along with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and social value creation.
The company’s work under the IDP is expected to contribute significantly to skills development, job creation, and local business growth across Cumbria. The project also reinforces HOCHTIEF’s strategic focus on playing a leading role in the UK’s nuclear sector transformation.
Financial Model and Industry Backing
The financing for the broader programme follows standard industry structures, combining equity investment, partnership models, and debt financing. It is also supported by targeted EU funding aligned with regional development and innovation goals.
This contract award strengthens HOCHTIEF’s position as a key delivery partner for the UK’s nuclear decommissioning programme and highlights the ongoing investment in securing the country’s long-term nuclear legacy.
As Sellafield continues its transition from a centre of nuclear fuel reprocessing to a site focused on waste management and environmental restoration, partners like HOCHTIEF will be vital in ensuring the site’s infrastructure supports that future.
