£2.9bn Sellafield Infrastructure Delivery Deal: How Morgan Sindall, Costain & Hochtief will transform the UK’s Nuclear future

General
Micheal Olaleye
October 13, 2025
74

Trio wins £2.9bn Sellafield infrastructure deal. Image Credit: Costain Limited

The UK’s nuclear infrastructure is getting a major boost as Sellafield Ltd awards a £2.9 billion Infrastructure Delivery Partnership (IDP) to Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, Costain Limited, and HOCHTIEF (UK) Construction Ltd.

The long-term arrangement, spanning up to 15 years through 2040, is designed to upgrade and maintain critical non-nuclear systems across the Sellafield site in West Cumbria, one of the most complex nuclear decommissioning projects in Europe.

What the Deal Covers: Power, Water, Roads & Security

Under the new Infrastructure Delivery Partnership, the three contractors will deliver essential infrastructure, electricity distribution, water supply, transport networks, bridges, and site security, that support Sellafield’s broader decommissioning program.

Morgan Sindall will oversee electrical distribution,
Costain will manage utilities, and
HOCHTIEF will handle civil engineering works, worth an estimated £595 million.

This partnership replaces the former Infrastructure Strategic Alliance, aligning with Sellafield’s Overarching Acquisition Strategy to ensure efficiency, innovation, and long-term value for taxpayers.

Boosting Local Jobs, Skills, and Sustainability

Beyond construction, the IDP will have a strong social and environmental focus. Each company has pledged to:

Support local business growth through SME engagement.
Create apprenticeships, internships, and training placements.
Build a sustainable labor pool for future infrastructure projects.
Contribute employee volunteering hours to community programs.

The joint sustainability plan will align with Sellafield’s Social Impact strategy, ensuring every pound spent creates tangible value for West Cumbria’s economy and environment.

Strategic Vision: Supporting the UK’s Nuclear Decommissioning Effort

Sellafield’s Chief Supply Chain Officer, James Riddick, said the deal ensures robust infrastructure for safe and efficient nuclear decommissioning.

“Our job is to create a clean and safe environment for future generations,” Riddick said. “This partnership will help us achieve that mission while delivering lasting value to the taxpayer and local community.”

Costain CEO Alex Vaughan added that the deal reinforces the company’s “integral role in the UK’s civil nuclear energy market,” while Morgan Sindall’s Simon Smith emphasized the “regional benefits” of the award.

HOCHTIEF CEO Juan Santamaría Cases described the contract as “a continuation of our long-term commitment to engineering excellence and sustainable delivery in the nuclear sector.”

A New Era for UK Infrastructure

The £2.9bn IDP represents one of the UK’s largest non-nuclear infrastructure contracts, reaffirming the government’s focus on safety, sustainability, and innovation in the nuclear sector.

The 9-year deal, extendable by another 6 years, will not only modernize Sellafield’s infrastructure but also act as a blueprint for future public-private partnerships across critical UK industries.

As work begins, the collaboration between these three powerhouses is expected to shape West Cumbria’s economic landscape for the next two decades, turning one of Britain’s oldest nuclear sites into a model for sustainable redevelopment.

FAQ

1. What is the Sellafield Infrastructure Delivery Partnership (IDP)?

The Infrastructure Delivery Partnership (IDP) is a long-term agreement between Sellafield Ltd and three major contractors, Morgan Sindall, Costain, and HOCHTIEF, to modernize and maintain the non-nuclear infrastructure supporting the Sellafield nuclear site.

2. How much is the Sellafield delivery deal worth?

The contract has a total value of up to £2.9 billion, making it one of the UK’s largest infrastructure deals in 2025.

3. How long will the partnership last?

The IDP will run for nine years, with an optional six-year extension, potentially continuing until 2040.

4. What types of projects will be delivered under this deal?

Projects include electrical distribution, utilities management, transport infrastructure, bridges, foundations, and security systems, all essential for the site’s ongoing nuclear decommissioning operations.

5. Which companies are leading the Sellafield infrastructure project?

The key partners are:

Morgan Sindall Infrastructure (electrical distribution),
Costain Limited (utilities),
HOCHTIEF (UK) Construction Ltd (civils and construction).

6. What are the community benefits of the Sellafield deal?

The partnership includes strong social impact goals, job creation, apprenticeship programs, local business support, and sustainability initiatives, to revitalize the West Cumbria economy.

7. Why is this deal important for the UK’s nuclear sector?

The Sellafield deal is crucial for maintaining the UK’s nuclear decommissioning and waste management capabilities. It supports national energy goals and demonstrates the government’s commitment to safe, long-term infrastructure renewal.

8. How does this project align with sustainability goals?

The companies involved will create a joint sustainability plan, ensuring eco-friendly construction, reduced emissions, and lasting environmental and social value in line with Sellafield’s Social Impact Strategy.

9. What happens next after the contract award?

Implementation begins with detailed design and procurement, followed by construction, commissioning, and handover phases across multiple Sellafield infrastructure systems.

10. How will the £2.9bn Sellafield deal affect local businesses?

Local businesses will benefit from subcontracting opportunities, supply chain integration, and training programs, helping SMEs access national-scale projects and grow their expertise in infrastructure and energy.