Nuclear site cost ‘rises by £2.2bn’
THE project to build Britain’s first nuclear power station for 20 years could end up being £2.2billion over budget.
And construction of the Hinkley Point C facility is also running behind schedule, according to French power giant EDF.
The firm said the cost of constructing two reactors at the Somerset site has leapt by £1.5bn and the overspend could reach £2.2bn, increasing the total price to £20.3bn.
EDF admitted the first reactor, due to come on line by the end of 2025, may be 15 months late and might not start generating electricity until 2027.
The second unit is facing a nine-month delay.
Experts warned hold-ups could see ageing power stations kept open longer.
EDF said £1.5bn of the increase was due to a “better understanding” of construction work and UK regulatory requirements.
The delay to the reactors would cost another £700m.
But the company insisted it was still aiming to meet the 2025 deadline.
Boss Vincent de Rivaz said: “The team must remain mobilised on the initial objective of 2025.” A MAN proposed to his lover by presenting her with 99 boxes of crayfish arranged in the shape of a heart with the word “love” spelt out. She said yes in Nanjing, China.
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