The project being developed by NuGen will be the largest nuclear new build project currently planned.

Amec Foster Wheeler will carry out environmental impact assessments on the site, which is near to the Sellafield complex in West Cumbria.

Amec Foster Wheeler will also provide specialised environmental consultancy support to prepare for the installation of the plant’s three Westinghouse reactors, which will generate 3.4GW of electricity when they are operational in 2026.

“This is a key contract and further highlights Amec Foster Wheeler’s important role in the development of the UK’s nuclear new build programme,” said Rob Brown, Managing Director of Amec Foster Wheeler’s Environment and Infrastructure business in Europe.

“It follows similar recent work at other proposed nuclear new build stations at Hinkley Point and Sizewell.

“It has the potential for us to develop a long-term partnership with NuGen and to work with them throughout this truly exciting developmen.”

Bart Volbrecht, Director of Nuclear Operations at NuGen, said the company was powering forward with plans for its Moorside project.

“This contract is another sign of the increasing momentum at NuGen, as we move forward with the highest standards of nuclear professionalism and environmental stewardship on this nationally important project.”