Virus hits nuke plant progress

HINKLEY Point C, the nuclear power station being built in Somerset, is set to be delayed and could cost an extra £500million.

Energy giant EDF blamed the impact of the pandemic, with a reduction in the number of workers on site to enable social distancing.

The cost is now expected to be between £22billion and £23billion, up from £21.5billion£22.5billion.

It is the second jump in costs for EDF. Original estimates were £18billion.

The start of electricity generation from Unit 1 is now due in June 2026, said the French-owned energy group.

It was slated to open at the end of 2025.

EDF said its rate of return from its investment will fall from around 7.8 per cent to 7.2 per cent.

Once completed, the site will generate electricity for around six million homes.

EDF is currently in talks with Government officials over the proposed £20billion Sizewell C plant in Suffolk.