Geotechnical Alliance Formed to Deliver Critical Foundations for Sizewell C

Three specialist engineering contractors unite to undertake complex piling and ground engineering works for one of Britain's largest new nuclear infrastructure projects.

A new alliance of geotechnical engineering specialists has been established to deliver the extensive ground engineering works required for the construction of Sizewell C, marking another significant milestone in the development of the UK's next generation nuclear power station.

Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering (BBGE), VSL Systems (UK) and Bachy Soletanche have joined forces to create the Geotechnical Sub-Alliance (GSA), bringing together decades of international expertise in piling, ground treatment and specialist civil engineering.

Working as part of the wider Civil Works Alliance (CWA), the partnership will be responsible for constructing the complex underground infrastructure needed to support one of the UK's largest energy projects.

Building the Foundations for Britain's Energy Future

Before construction of the power station's main structures can begin, engineers must first create a stable, watertight platform capable of supporting enormous structural loads.

The Geotechnical Sub-Alliance will undertake a wide range of specialist engineering activities, including piling, soil mixing, diaphragm wall construction and plastic cut-off walls.

These works will provide the robust foundations required not only for the nuclear facility itself but also for some of the largest construction equipment deployed on the project, including one of the world's biggest land-based cranes.

The programme represents one of the most technically demanding phases of the overall Sizewell C development.

Part of a Wider Delivery Alliance

The new sub-alliance will operate within Sizewell C's Civil Works Alliance, which brings together Sizewell C, Balfour Beatty, Laing O'Rourke and Bouygues Travaux Publics to deliver the project's principal civil engineering works.

By integrating specialist geotechnical expertise into the wider delivery team, the project aims to improve collaboration, accelerate decision-making and provide greater programme certainty throughout construction.

The alliance model also encourages early contractor involvement and shared responsibility for project outcomes, helping reduce risk on one of the UK's most complex infrastructure programmes.

A Collaborative Approach

Vincent Leblois, Alliance Manager for the Geotechnical Sub-Alliance, said the partnership combines global expertise with a unified delivery philosophy.

He 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."

Combining Specialist Expertise

Jane Towse-Laval, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering, said collaboration between the three organisations would maximise technical capability while supporting safe and efficient delivery.

She said:

"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 of VSL UK, highlighted the long-term importance of the project for Britain's energy security.

He added:

"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."

Meanwhile, Dominic Lovelock, Executive Director at Bachy Soletanche, said integrating the capabilities of all three organisations would be key to successful delivery.

He said:

"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."

Supporting a New Generation of Nuclear Infrastructure

Sizewell C is expected to become one of the UK's most significant infrastructure investments, providing low-carbon electricity for millions of homes while supporting thousands of skilled jobs during construction and operation.

The formation of the Geotechnical Sub-Alliance represents one of the earliest major engineering partnerships on the project, laying the literal foundations upon which the power station will be built.

As construction gathers pace, the alliance's work beneath the surface will play a critical role in ensuring the long-term safety, resilience and operational performance of one of Britain's most strategically important energy assets.