HVAC specialist lands Chernobyl deal
A HEATING, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) specialist based in Bury is to supply more than 6,000 metres of ductwork at the Chernobyl nuclear site in the Ukraine.
Hargreaves is the only UK subcontractor working on the ground-breaking project, the Chernobyl New Safe Confinement (NSC), having secured a multi-million pound contract with Novarka, a joint venture between VINCI Construction Grands Projets and Bouygues Travaux Publics.
The company is delivering a complete bespoke ventilation and containment solution to the NSC project, including consultation, detail design, manufacture and engineering services, as well as managing the procurement process.
The NSC is currently one of the largest engineering projects in the world, with a 108-metre high arch being constructed to prevent the release of radioactive materials from within the Chernobyl nuclear reactor for a minimum of 100 years.
Alongside engineering and manufacture, Hargreaves is managing the supply of 36 HEPA filters, 77 fans and 38 air handling units plus associated instrumentation, making it one of the largest international HVAC projects undertaken.
With more than 2,000 people working to safely deliver the project, 21 different nationalities are represented within the management team alone and there are 60 radiation specialists in place to guarantee safe working conditions.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (ERBD) is funding the project, with contributions totalling €2.5bn from donors across a number of countries worldwide.
Tim Hopkinson, managing director at Hargreaves, said: “Hargreaves’ appointment to the Chernobyl NSC project is further demonstration of our leadership in world-class HVAC services.”
“The company has provided solutions for a variety of environments around the world with experience in managing both the safety and quality requirements, as well as containment challenges presented by nuclear projects.”
“When fully installed, the Hargreaves HVAC system will play a vital role in supporting radiological contamination by immediately reducing the potential for the spread of hazardous dust particles. Hargreaves is helping to make Chernobyl safe for future generations.”
