EDF granted nuclear site licence for Hinkley Point C

London – The UK’s independent nuclear regulator has granted EDF Energy a nuclear site licence (NSL) for Hinkley Point C in Somerset.

The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) decision confirmed that EDF’s new nuclear build subsidiary NNB GenCo has the required organisation, management structure, plans and procedures needed for the construction, commissioning and operation of the proposed new nuclear power station.

The conditions of the licence require the development, implementation and maintenance of adequate safety arrangements throughout the life of Hinkley Point C, EDF also pointed out.

However, EDF still requires a further consent from the ONR to start nuclear-related construction under the terms of the NS, as well as full planning consent for the project. The French company has also yet to make a final investment decision about the project.

Having completed its examination of EDF’s application to build and operate a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C in September, the planning inspectorate now has until 21 Dec to put forward its recommendation to the government.

The granting of a nuclear site license follows acknowledgement from regulators that the reactor design proposed for the project is on course to be approved for use in the UK this year.

“The award of a nuclear site licence for Hinkley Point C is another crucial step forward as we ready ourselves to build the first new nuclear reactors in the UK for around 20 years, subject to our final investment decision,” said Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson, EDF Energy MD of Nuclear New Build.

The proposed new power station in Somerset will provide enough low carbon electricity to power five million homes and its construction will create around 25,000 jobs at site alone, says EDF.

“However, there is still a great deal of work to be done before this nationally significant infrastructure project can become a reality,” said the MD. “We remain focused on putting the components in place that will enable a final investment decision to be made at the earliest possible date.

“This includes working with Government to agree a Contract for Difference that is in the best interests of both consumers and investors.”