Case Study
EDF Turbine Control
EDF Energy Sector: Nuclear Generation & Decommissioning
Location: Sizewell B Nuclear Power Station
Status: Ongoing (2024 – Present)
Owner: David McCracken
Project Overview
In April 2024, EDF launched the Turbine Control and Protection Systems Replacement project, aimed at modernising critical infrastructure as part of its strategic outage programme. Following a previous deferral, EDF brought in Acuity Engineering to realign and drive the project toward successful delivery. With a sanctioned budget of £40 million, the programme required meticulous coordination across multiple disciplines to upgrade aging systems and enhance operational safety.
The Challenge
The project presented a range of technical and organisational challenges. Chief among them was the need to comply with stringent nuclear safety regulations while ensuring continuity of operations throughout the upgrade process. Integration of the new control and protection systems had to be executed without disrupting power generation, a non-negotiable requirement. Additionally, the project involved managing multiple contractors, each responsible for different but interconnected aspects of delivery, including system design, control room modifications, and simulator upgrades. Achieving alignment across these contracts, and with EDF’s strategic outage schedule, was essential to maintaining both timeline and value.
We were tasked with delivering an updated and approved business case, maintaining full regulatory compliance, integrating new systems into existing operational frameworks, and coordinating a broad team of engineering, operational, and regulatory professionals, all within the agreed budget and delivery window of April 2024 to June 2025.
Our Approach
To meet these objectives, Senior Project Manager David McCracken led the initiative with a focus on governance, integration, and stakeholder alignment. He began by revising the business case to reflect current project needs and secured sanctioning for the £40 million investment. This provided a stable foundation for controlled and cost-effective execution.
David also oversaw the development of safety case documentation to ensure all proposed system changes met nuclear regulatory standards. As part of this, he managed a multi-contractor delivery model, ensuring clear communication and accountability across suppliers handling the system design, software integration, simulator enhancements, and physical control room upgrades.
Central to the project’s progress was David’s leadership of a cross-functional team comprising engineers, operational staff, and regulatory experts. This collaborative approach enabled informed decision-making, efficient risk mitigation, and the smooth handling of project dependencies.
Outcomes
While the project remains in progress and is scheduled for completion in June 2025, it has already achieved several key milestones. The revised business case was formally approved, securing both financial backing and operational commitment from EDF. Progress on the new system design and simulator integration is well advanced, laying the groundwork for seamless adoption of the upgraded control infrastructure.
Throughout, Acuity Engineering has helped ensure full compliance with all nuclear safety regulations, while fostering a strong, collaborative environment among delivery teams. This alignment has proven instrumental in maintaining momentum and de-risking future project phases.
Trusted Engineering Consultants
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London, London Road, Corby, NN17 5EU.
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