Capgemini has signed an IT deal with energy provider Horizon Nuclear Power.
Capgemini will provide Horizon with IT services and product solutions; these are to include a fully scalable cloud platform and a state of the art security operations centre.
The deal has been designed to future proof the business, with a focus on the newly proposed Wylfa Newydd power station in North Wales. The initiative will aim to supply digital tools for the construction of the new power station, and through into operation.
The cyber security of important plans and facilities such as this will be a global point of interest, as there is mounting concern regarding the ability of hackers to launch direct attacks on vital infrastructure.
These concerns gained traction following the attack on the Ukranian power grid, which led to mass outages in the surrounding regions. Fears have been entrenched by recent examples of nation-state hacking that are thought to have taken place during the U.S presidential election.
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An artist’s impression of the planned new nuclear power station at Wylfa Newydd, Anglesey
Rob Pears, Capgemini Energy and Utilities, said: “Nuclear energy holds one of the keys to powering the UK’s future and we are very much looking forward to working with Horizon Nuclear Power to support the country and its journey to energy independence through the development at Wylfa Newydd. By using the very latest in technology and digital innovation, we will be working to help create a world class nuclear energy organisation. ”
Horizon Nuclear Power was formed in 2009 with the goal of developing new nuclear power stations in the UK, in 2012 the company was acquired by Hitachi.
John Fenwick, Head of IT at Horizon Nuclear Power, said: “Capgemini has a wealth of global experience when it comes to the energy and utilities sector. We were in need of an organisation that could drive innovative solutions; deliver high quality standards of implementation; and provide the security needed for the types and scale of digital operations we will be undertaking, both now, and in the future. These are all things we are confident our collaboration with Capgemini can deliver over the next three years.”