EDF Energy has secured planning approval from the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC), to build a 3.2GW nuclear power plant at Hinkley Point C in Somerset, UK.
The nuclear power plant, which is expected to cost GBP14bn, will incldue two EPR reactors, each of 1.6GW capacity, capable of generating 7% of UK’s total electricity, enough to meet power requirement for 5 million homes.
After completion, the plant will generate almost four times more electricity than Hinkley Point B station, which produces around 880MW of electricity.
EDF Energy chief executive Vincent de Rivaz said, “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.”
de Rivaz added that to take the project forward, both the government and EDF have to agree on how to guarantee a minimum price for the electricity from Hinkley Point.
UK Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey said the decision follows three years of in-depth consultation with local communities and a year-long examination by the UK Planning Inspectorate.
“This planned new nuclear power station in Somerset will generate vast amounts of clean energy and enhance our energy security,” Davey added.
Earlier in March 2013, the Environment Agency granted three environmental permits for the nuclear plant.
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