Groundbreaking alliance creating the foundations for construction of Sizewell C

• World-leading expertise of three organisations come together to deliver geotechnical works for Sizewell C
• Geotechnical sub-alliance thought to be the first of its kind in the UK – bringing combined expertise into one integrated team
• Organisations have supported some of the world’s most significant infrastructure projects

Three world-leading organisations have joined forces to deliver the specialist geotechnical works needed for Sizewell C – in what is thought to be the first geotechnical sub-alliance of its kind in the UK.

Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering (BBGE), VSL Systems (UK) Ltd (VSL), and Bachy Soletanche (BSL) have united to deliver a range of specialist ground engineering solutions – including piling, soil mixing, diaphragm walls, and plastic cut-off walls – required for the construction of the new 3.2GW nuclear power station on the Suffolk coast.

The three organisations that form the Geotechnical Sub-Alliance (GSA) bring together world-leading expertise in ground engineering, specialist construction, and major infrastructure delivery. Collectively, they have supported some of the world’s most significant infrastructure projects, operating in challenging environments and complex ground conditions.

Nigel Cann, CEO of Sizewell C, said: “We’re delighted that these three expert organisations have joined forces for Sizewell C. This unique alliance reflects what our project is all about – true partnerships bringing together world-leading expertise, delivering big gains in innovation and productivity.

“It’s an alliance that will further strengthen our delivery confidence, and will help us to continue to deliver safely, efficiently, and with better value for money for Britain.”

Created to maximise operational safety, capability, quality, and delivery, the GSA will create a stable and watertight platform capable of supporting the immense loads associated with the construction of the new nuclear power station, including one of the world’s largest land-based cranes.

The sub-alliance will sit within Sizewell C’s Civil Works Alliance (CWA) – an alliance that includes Sizewell C along with Balfour Beatty, Laing O’Rourke, and Bouygues Travaux Publics – which delivers the main civils works on the Sizewell C project.

Vincent Leblois, Alliance Manager, GSA, said: “As the GSA, we bring together a wealth of global capability, sector expertise and experience to the Sizewell C project. We are working very much as one team delivering one outcome on a ‘best for project’ basis through joint decision-making, strong delivery and using the best people for the job. Together and as part of the CWA at Sizewell C, we are creating the foundations to power our future, excited to be contributing to the build and completion of this vital investment in new infrastructure for Britain.”

Jane Towse-Laval, Managing Director at Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering, said: “Sizewell C represents one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the UK, and we are proud to bring our specialist geotechnical expertise to this pioneering sub-alliance. By working collaboratively, we will combine innovation, technical excellence and our collective expertise, laying the essential foundations for the safe and efficient delivery of this nationally significant energy asset”.

Martin Bellamy, Managing Director, VSL UK, said: “Sizewell C is one of the UK’s most important infrastructure projects and we are proud to be part of the Geotechnical Sub-Alliance. By bringing together the expertise of VSL, BBGE and Bachy Soletanche, we are helping create the foundations for a project that will support the UK’s future energy needs for generations to come.”

Dominic Lovelock, Executive Director, Bachy Soletanche, said: “Through the Geotechnical Sub-Alliance, we have structured the delivery around a shared responsibility and collective performance. Each partner contributes proven capability in piling, ground treatment and retaining structures, but it is the integration of those capabilities that will unlock programme certainty and quality for Sizewell C, delivered by one aligned, high-performing team.”