Contacts: Tris Denton Hitachi Nuclear Energy Europe, Ltd.
+44 (0) 7824 408-059 Tristram.denton@hitachi-hne.com Project Director appointed to support Wylfa Newydd delivery London, 04 th January 2018 – Hitachi Nuclear Energy Europe, Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501, “Hitachi”), today announced appointment of a leading nuclear Project Director to the contractor team supporting Horizon Nuclear Power, in preparation for delivery of Horizons 2.7GW Wylfa Newydd nuclear plant on the Isle of Anglesey, in North Wales.
As of 2 nd January, Eric Chassard has been appointed to lead the Menter Newydd team, which is developing a costed construction schedule for Wylfa Newydd, underpinning Horizon’s overall delivery plans.
Eric joins Hitachi from Areva, where he was Senior Executive Vice President of New Areva, and Chairman & CEO of Areva Projects - responsible for Engineering and Project work. Eric has also worked extensively in Operations, including as Chief Nuclear Officer (CNO) on two operational plants.
Eric brings more than two decades of experience at Vice President level, following a career encompassing Project Management, Safety & Quality, Productivity Improvement, and organizational transformation. Eric is an engineer by background.
Project Director Eric Chassard said: “Hitachi is a global leader in the nuclear industry, and it is a great pleasure to join the team at such an exciting phase of this project. Phenomenal work is being done to add depth and clarity to the plans we are developing for Horizon – which will provide a stable, long-term footing as we move ever closer toward construction of Wylfa Newydd. Leading a team of this calibre, on a project of this importance, is a great opportunity - as we work to secure the energy supplies and industrial futures of Wales and the wider UK.
He went on: “Wylfa Newydd is a special site with a fantastic history. North Wales has an unparalleled pedigree in the nuclear industry, and I look forward to working with local communities, workers and businesses as we develop this project.”
Hitachi Nuclear Energy Europe, Ltd. Managing Director, Shunsuke Utena, said: “Eric is a well-respected Executive, who has worked at the very highest level in project management, safety, quality and productivity – areas which will be a key to the successful delivery of Wylfa Newydd. He brings huge experience to the role, and will help us take the business forward as we work to deliver for our client, Horizon.” Notes to editors: Horizon Nuclear Power is developing plans to build at least 5,400MW of new nuclear power generation plant at Wylfa on the Isle of Anglesey and Oldbury-on-Severn in South Gloucestershire. Its power station sites will employ 850 people each once operational with a construction workforce expected to peak at 8,500.
Hitachi Nuclear Energy Europe is working to prepare, and later deliver, the construction of Horizon’s lead site, Wylfa Newydd on the Isle of Anglesey. It is doing so within the Menter Newydd joint venture.
Menter Newydd is a joint venture of Hitachi, Bechtel Management Company, Ltd. (“Bechtel”) and JGC Corporation (UK) Ltd. (“JGC”), who combined have played a role in delivery of more than 180 nuclear plants worldwide. Menter Newydd operates under an Early Engagement contract to Horizon. Menter Newydd was formed as a non-incorporated Joint and Several entity in 2016.
Horizon is working to achieve the necessary permissions, consents and investments for Wylfa Newydd, supported by Hitachi Nuclear Energy Europe and the wider Menter Neywdd team. Hitachi Nuclear Energy Europe and their partners will later work within the parameters and arrangements established under those consents, to deliver the project.
About Hitachi Nuclear Energy Europe, Ltd. Hitachi Nuclear Energy Europe provides local management and delivery of Hitachi's nuclear business in the UK and Europe. Hitachi Nuclear Energy Europe is currently leading Hitachi's work in Menter Newydd - a joint venture with Bechtel and JGC, supporting Horizon’s nuclear build project at Wylfa Newydd on the Isle of Anglesey. As a leading partner in Menter Newydd, Hitachi Nuclear Energy Europe is working to support deployment of the UK ABWR technology – the latest incarnation of the tried and tested ABWR design - to the UK. Once operational, two UK ABWR reactors will provide enough secure, low-carbon, 24/7 power to supply some 5 million UK homes.
Hitachi Nuclear Energy Europe is a UK-registered 100% subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), operating under the Nuclear Systems Division of the Nuclear Energy Business Unit. The company was formed in 2015 and began operations on 1st April 2016.
