VodafoneThree is to become a tier one contractor for Sizewell C, the new 3.2GW nuclear power station under construction on the Suffolk coast, in an agreement that will see fibre deployed to the site enabling WiFi use to connect to LANs and WANs.
In the first phase of this collaboration, VodafoneThree will build two masts on site to provide 5G mobile coverage for the Suffolk site and the surrounding community.
VodafoneThree’s partner, Fern Communications will provide radio coverage eliminating potential communication black spots throughout the Sizewell C construction site.
One of the biggest clean energy projects in Britain, Sizewell C will generate 7% of the UK’s electricity needs, providing low-carbon electricity to 6m homes for at least 60 years and saving 9m tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere annually.
The 5G coverage and radio will benefit Sizewell C’s operations enhancing communication among workers, and better mobile infrastructure will support the exchange of data and updates, improving the overall efficiency and productivity of the construction process.
The deployed fibre will complement the 5G coverage and enhance operational efficiency.
The connectivity project, which began in November 2024, aims to help support construction site safety, security and efficiency, and strengthen mobile connectivity across the site, as well as providing better local connectivity for residents and businesses.
Damian Leydon, Sizewell C Site Delivery Director said: “Connectivity is vital for this project and a reliable connection helps us to operate at high standards of safety and efficiency, and working with VodafoneThree and Fern Communications to provide what we need on site also has the added benefit of providing 5G for the local area too.”
Nick Gliddon, Business Director, VodafoneThree (pictured) said: “Alongside our contractors, we will deliver robust, secure, and resilient communications infrastructure that is essential to the success of one of the UK’s most significant energy projects and to support the UK’s transition to cleaner energy.”