wiredInUSA October 2016

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wiredInUSA - October 2016 25
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.
Hinkley C decision
Image: EDF Energy