EDF to cut jobs; control costs on Hinkley nuclear project in UK

France-based electric utility company Électricité de France (EDF) is planning to cut down jobs on its Hinkley Point C nuclear power station and control costs.

The proposed GBP14bn ($21.3bn) nuclear project to be built in Somerset, England, is expected to address almost 7% of the Britain’s electricity demands through low-carbon power generation.

EDF is considering the step so as to control the expenses and focus on the financing of the nuclear project.

The company is negotiating with the government over the financial support it will receive for the plant and is also discussing the electricity charges.

EDF spokeswoman said the company is cutting the jobs as a part of its project management and cost control to refocus its activities at the nuclear project.

“This reflects its priorities ahead of securing the financing necessary for the project,” the spokeswoman added.

The company also said that pre-construction planning work will continue, but the preparation of the site has been halted.

Construction of the 2 X 1,600MW Hinkley Point C nuclear power station is expected to create 25,000 temporary job opportunities during construction with 900 permanent posts.