EDF gets green light for Hinkley Point C
20 Mar 2013
London – EDF Energy has gained planning consent from the UK government for its plans to build a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point in Somerset.
The multi-billion pound Hinkley Point C project, which is to be operated by NNB Generation, will be the first new nuclear power plant to be built in the UK since 1995.
Boasting two reactors, the plant will be one of the largest power stations in the UK. It will support up to 25,000 jobs during construction and 900 permanent jobs during operation.
Full go-ahead for the project, however, is still the subject of intense negotiations between EDF and the UK government over the price paid for power produced by the station.
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, noted Edward Davey, UK energy and climate change secretary.
“This planned new nuclear power station in Somerset will generate vast amounts of clean energy and enhance our energy security. It will benefit the local economy, through direct employment, the supply chain and the use of local services,” said Davey.
Images courtesy of EDF Energy
