Bilfinger is an international group employing over 30,000 people worldwide, with a projected revenue of €5.2 billion in 2024. The company leverages a high level of engineering expertise combined with a deeply ingrained service culture to successfully execute its clients' projects. Established in 2023, Bilfinger Nuclear brings together four entities of the group that have historically operated in the nuclear sector. This consolidation aims to strengthen its activities in the industry and provide clients with clearer insights into its expertise, products, and services. Meeting with Caroline Sagne, President of Bilfinger Nuclear.
What activities does Bilfinger engage in within the nuclear industry?
In the nuclear sector, Bilfinger has been successfully assisting and advising industry clients for decades, gaining extensive practical knowledge through 60 years of experience. Across all our product and service lines—including piping, nuclear equipment, waste management, special machinery, and decommissioning—we are equipped to support our clients throughout the entire lifecycle: from engineering and manufacturing to implementation and commissioning, as well as maintenance and modifications of facilities.
In the engineering phase, we have a comprehensive understanding of the entire spectrum: from preliminary design to detailed design, as well as execution studies. We incorporate constructability and maintainability into our designs, leveraging the expertise of our specialists and our experience as a construction firm.
We also specialize in general installation, covering a wide range of fields including piping, mechanics, electrical work, HVAC, and structural engineering. Our significant in-house manufacturing capabilities are based in Germany and the United Kingdom, and we operate in three countries with ten locations: France (Montrouge, Lyon, Marseille, Tours), Germany (Oberhausen, Dortmund, Osterode, Würzburg), and the United Kingdom (Bristol, West Carr).
Our expertise in magnets and multiphysics applications enables us to be actively involved in the field of nuclear fusion and research.
Our team of 800 highly skilled permanent employees, supported by approximately 400 external collaborators, enables us to deliver our services globally. We have also earned the trust of several key players in the nuclear industry, which is evident in our numerous partnerships.
What is the latest news regarding Bilfinger?
We are enhancing our momentum for 2024 by focusing on achieving ISO 19443 certification in 2025, as well as celebrating over a decade of involvement in the Hinkley Point C (HPC) project. This journey began with engineering support for Edvance and CNEPE, followed by execution studies, the manufacturing of the three main piping packages (BNI, BOP, NSSS), and the installation of the NSSS, which is ramping up this year. Additionally, we are supplying various equipment for the nuclear island. Furthermore, we are actively engaged in the Sizewell C project for the two upcoming EPR reactors to be constructed in the UK.
We continue to support Edvance and CNEPE in the EPR2 program, and we remain prepared to assist EDF with this ambitious and vital initiative for both the country and our industry.
We are also collaborating with other industry stakeholders in France and Europe on major ongoing projects, including new production facilities, upstream and downstream installations, life extension programs for existing power plants, and decommissioning projects.
I am pleased to have been elected to the Board of Directors of GIFE* during the GIFEN General Assembly last March. I am committed to leveraging my experience to support this key organization for the nuclear industry and to actively contribute to the advancement of the sector both in France and internationally. Additionally, I am proud to represent Bilfinger Nuclear within GIFE, where I look forward to sharing our values and commitment, particularly in the areas of industrialization and digitalization, to enhance the competitiveness and appeal of the industry.
We are also actively preparing for our participation in the WNE exhibition, where we invite you to experience Bilfinger Nuclear at booth F092!
What are the medium- and long-term development prospects for Bilfinger?
Bilfinger Nuclear is expanding its historical activities while addressing the growing needs of clients in areas such as new construction, modernization of existing facilities, extending their operational lifespan, waste management, and decommissioning.
We are committed to strengthening our presence in the countries where we have established a long-standing presence, particularly in France, where we employ over 230 professionals, and in the United Kingdom. Additionally, Eastern European countries, Sweden, Finland, and Belgium are also key targets for us. Our ambition is to become a leading player in the European nuclear sector.
*Group of Industrial Suppliers for Operators
