Nuclear

It is not just the UK government that has given the green light to new nuclear build programmes. Governments around the world are looking to make nuclear energy a key part of their future energy policies. There are plans to build new nuclear power plants across Europe and into Asia.

Fenwick Elliott has advised on many large and complex energy projects, including nuclear power stations. Nuclear power station projects share the same intricacies of large-scale complex construction. We are familiar with the legal issues and also the practical issues that can arise in respect of the delivery of large energy projects, including nuclear facility projects. The logistics of working on large infrastructure projects, such as nuclear power plants and their elements (typically reactor building, turbine hall, control room, radiation waste centre and ancillary buildings), requires careful construction sequencing and planning and careful legal analysis and advice.

We work closely with our clients to assist them to develop strategies to manage those risks, and develop supporting legal documentation. Members of our experienced team of energy lawyers can also advise you on the establishment of joint venture or other special vehicle companies, assist with the drafting and negotiation of joint venture and project documentation, and if and when issues arise, provide day-to-day commercial, practical advice and troubleshooting options, looking to avoid and resolve disputes wherever possible. We are also formidable litigators and pursue claims where necessary.

To find out more about the UK’s nuclear programme click here.

To find out about typical considerations contractors need to bear in mind on nuclear projects, wherever in the world they may be, click here.

Given the confidential nature of work regarding nuclear installations, we can only give limited information on our nuclear experience below:

Nuclear power station, Eastern Europe

Acting for a state entity in connection with the decommissioning of a nuclear power station and advising on live project and funding issues, and the avoidance and resolution of disputes.

Nuclear energy project, Abu Dhabi

Advising a US non-profit organisation on management subcontracting for safety management matters in a nuclear energy project in Abu Dhabi.

Nuclear decommissioning projects, UK

Advising and drafting agreements relating to nuclear decommissioning projects throughout the UK.

Nuclear facility, UK

Acting in a contractual adjudication under the NEC Form, in relation to the construction of elements of a nuclear facility.

Nuclear decommissioning works, UK

Advising in relation to disputes arising out of decommissioning works at a nuclear power plant facility.

Nuclear implicated facility, UK

Acting on a major government prime contract in relation to a MOD facility outside England involving mobile nuclear reactors.

Nuclear project, Scandinavia

Acting on behalf of our client in relation to a series of disputes with the main contractor in relation to a nuclear construction project.