Go ahead for first of UK’s new nuclear plants

• 11 years ago (2013-03-20)
• Junior Isles

Europe 1061 North America 998 Nuclear 640 Renewables 752

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The UK’s new generation of nuclear power plants moved forward, with French energy giant EDF given the green light to construct the first £14 billion plant at Hinkley Point C, in Somerset.

Energy Secretary Ed Davey said the project was "of crucial national importance", with approval of the Hinkley Point plant expected to pave the way for a fleet of new plants across the UK.

"This planned project adds to a number of new energy projects consented since May 2010, including wind farms and biomass and gas-fired power stations,” said Davey.

"It will benefit the local economy, through direct employment, the supply chain and the use of local services."

News of final approval is a boost to the UK nuclear industry after a succession of setbacks had called into doubt whether a new generation of nuclear plants would ever be realised.

Negotiations are on-going as to the level of public subsidy EDF will receive; with Greenpeace chief executive John Sauven warning the deal would “lock a generation of consumers into higher energy bills” with “a strike price that's expected to be double the current price of electricity”.

"To make this opportunity a reality, we need to reach agreement swiftly... It must offer a fair and balanced deal for consumers and investors," said EDF chief executive Vincent de Rivaz.

If agreement is reached, Hinkley Point C will start operation in 8 and 10 years. It would be one of the UK's biggest infrastructure projects and at the peak of construction will have 5600 workers on site.

The two nuclear plants currently at the site, Hinkley A and Hinkley B, will be decommissioned during the life of the new plant.

Hinkley A began generating in 1965 and was closed down in 1999. Hinkley B, which started generating in 1976, is due cease operations in 2023.