wiredInUSA October 2016

INDEX

Image: EDF Energy

Hinkley C decision

The Hinkley C nuclear power plant is to proceed after the UK government agreed a revised deal with French firm EDF. UK energy minister Greg Clark said that the government had put a series of safeguards in place to prevent the nuclear plant changing hands without approval, and that a new legal framework would be developed for future foreign investment in critical infrastructure. EDF said that the government’s decision was “good news for British consumers and industry” and that the project would deliver safe, reliable and cost-competitive electricity. “The government has looked at all the component parts of the deal and its decision confirms once again the strength of the project and its benefits to British consumers,” the company said in a statement.

Hinkley C is financed by EDF and Chinese firm CGN, a factor that has led to concerns over national security and the extent to which foreign investment in critical infrastructure should be allowed. “Having thoroughly reviewed the proposal for Hinkley Point C, we will introduce a series of measures to enhance security and will ensure Hinkley cannot change hands without the government’s agreement,” said Clark, adding: “Britain needs to upgrade its supplies of energy, and we have always been clear that nuclear is an important part of ensuring our future low-carbon energy security.” Hinkley will meet seven per cent of Britain’s electricity needs and is the first of several new nuclear projects planned in the UK to plug the country’s forecasted energy gap.

wiredInUSA - October 2016

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