Somerset economy poised for boost following Hinkley C planning consent
The Somerset economy is poised for a massive boost following the Government's decision to give planning consent for the construction of Hinkley Point C, the first new nuclear power station in the UK since 1995.
The planned multi-billion pound project at Hinkley Point, Somerset - to be operated by NNB Generation - will generate enough low carbon electricity to power the equivalent of five million households, making it one of the largest power stations in the UK.
It will be Europe's largest civil engineering project and when completed the plant will supply 7% of the UK energy needs with two new reactors being built on a scale unseen in the UK.
During the construction phase there will be between 20,000 to 25,000 jobs spread over approximately seven years with a peak of 5,600 workers in the third year of construction.
It is expected that the proposed Public Information Centre on the site will attract up to 250,000 visitors a year, many from outside the immediate area.
The planning consent is an indication that the parent company EDF may give the go-ahead for the multi-billion pound project.
The Government is in on-going discussions with NNB Generation over the financial terms. Ministers have made clear that any deal will need to be interest of the consumer and any agreement reached will be laid before Parliament, and will include details of the Strike Price.
Edward Davey, Energy and Climate Change Secretary, said today: "I am confident that the planning decision I have made is robust, evidence-based, compatible with the Energy National Policy Statements and is in the best interests of the country.
"It's vital to get investment in new infrastructure to get the economy moving. Low carbon energy projects will bring major investment, supporting jobs and driving growth.
"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."
EDF Energy said the consent represented a huge achievement and that the approval was met with wide political consensus in the House of Commons.
"The approval is the final major permission needed to allow construction of Hinkley Point C. It is a project which can provide the UK with enough secure low carbon electricity to meet 7% of the country's needs for 60 years or more.
"Hinkley Point C also has the potential to give a massive boost to the economy with 25,000 people working on the power station during its construction, and 900 during its lifetime. Its construction can strengthen the UK's industrial capability, equipping it to compete for business around the world.
"This remarkable achievement now needs to be matched by the finalisation of a contract for the electricity to be produced at Hinkley Point C. Swift success in negotiations with Government over this Contract for Difference is the key to unlocking the investment needed."
EDF Energy Chief Executive Vincent de Rivaz added: "Receiving permission to construct a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C is a huge achievement, which represents years of hard work. It reflects an extraordinary level of professionalism and work from EDF Energy's planning team, the Planning Inspectorate, local authorities and a wide range of stakeholders.
"This decision sets up a huge opportunity for this project to provide enormous benefits to the UK in jobs, skills, cutting carbon emissions and future energy security. We are ready to deliver and an extensive supply chain is standing by to begin work.
"To make this opportunity a reality, we need to reach agreement swiftly on the Contract for Difference for Hinkley Point C. It must offer a fair and balanced deal for consumers and investors. Intensive discussions with the Government are taking place and agreement is still possible.
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The success of this pioneering project will kick start the new nuclear programme in the UK and is expected to lead to lower costs for successive UK nuclear plants."
