A key contract is set to continue at Sellafield following the UK Government’s seal of approval.

Central Government has approved the continuation of The Design Services Alliance’s, 15-year contract which has a total sanction value of £1.5 billion, into its 3rd 5-year tranche from 2022 to 2027.

The alliance was first set up in 2012 with Sellafield Ltd as an alliance partner working as one team alongside AXIOM (a 4 entity joint venture comprising Assystem, Jacobs, Mott MacDonald and Progressive.

The contract sees the alliance provide engineering design and safety case services at Sellafield.

The alliance has delivered cashable, non-cashable and future benefits totalling more than £220 million.

For every pound of the nearly £1 billion spent so far through the alliance, Sellafield Ltd has received 22 pence in return.

A Government spokesman said that the alliance has helped to make Sellafield safer sooner by cutting 744 months from hazard reduction schedules - bringing the creation of a clean and safe environment for future generations closer with each day saved.

Ian Belger, head of design engineering and safety case at Sellafield Ltd, said: “This is great news for the individuals and teams working in the DSA and a recognition of their contribution and effort.

“Our alliance with the DSA partners gives Sellafield Ltd access to a range of key capabilities and reach back into some of the world’s largest and most capable nuclear industry contractors.”