Case Study: Programme Management in Complex Energy Infrastructure
Client / Sector
EDF - Nuclear Energy Infrastructure
Challenge
Hinkley Point C required the application of specialist coatings across critical nuclear and conventional island assets. The programme was highly complex: multiple contractors, strict safety and quality requirements, and evolving interfaces across civil, mechanical, and electrical packages. Without a robust management workflow, the coatings programme risked uncontrolled costs, schedule drift, and non-compliance with nuclear assurance standards.
Our Role
ECS was engaged to develop and implement a structured programme management workflow for coatings. Our work included:
Designing an integrated coatings management system linking planning, quality, safety, and delivery data.
Establishing clear roles, responsibilities, and approvals across client, Tier 1, and subcontractor teams.
Embedding a transparent workflow from scope definition to inspection and sign-off.
Aligning controls with EDF’s assurance framework to maintain nuclear safety and regulatory compliance.
Training and supporting delivery teams to adopt the workflow and ensure consistent application.
Outcome
Delivered a repeatable, auditable coatings workflow across multiple packages.
Improved schedule reliability by reducing rework and clarifying approvals.
Enhanced quality assurance, ensuring coatings met nuclear safety standards.
Provided greater visibility to the client on cost, progress, and risk.
Why It Matters
This case study demonstrates ECS’s strength in creating fit-for-purpose management systems on complex, high-stakes projects. By embedding programme discipline in coatings delivery, ECS safeguarded compliance, reduced risk, and gave the client confidence in a critical part of the UK’s largest energy infrastructure scheme.
