UK approves Chinese-backed N-plant, sets tighter controls
london —Britain gave the goahead on Thursday for a $24 billion nuclear power plant, ending weeks of uncertainty that strained ties with China and France but also signalling a more cautious approach to foreign investment in critical infrastructure projects.
The government of new Prime Minister Theresa May said it would proceed with the Hinkley Point C project in southwest England, approving French utility firm EDF’s plan to build Britain’s first new nuclear reactor in decades, backed by $8 billion of Chinese cash
It also set out a new investment policy designed to give it greater control over future deals when foreign states were involved in buying stakes in “critical infrastructure”.
May, who became prime minister after the Brexit vote, stunned
we have decided to proceed with the first new nuclear power station for a generatio
Greg Clark, business minister
investors by putting the nuclear project on hold in July - just hours before a contract was due to be signed - saying she needed time to assess all aspects of the project including national security concerns. “Having thoroughly reviewed the proposal for Hinkley Point C, we will introduce a series of measures to enhance security and will ensure Hinkley cannot change hands without the government’s agreement,” Greg Clark, business minister, said in a statement.
“Consequently, we have decided to proceed with the first new nuclear power station for a generation.”
The government said it would be able to stop the sale of EDF’s controlling stake before or after completion of the project, under the new safeguards. EDF said it had agreed with the government to retain control of the project.
EDF, China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN) - the project’s state-backed Chinese investor - and business lobby groups welcomed the decision to proceed.
“We are very happy the British government has approved the project,” CGN said in a statement, adding that the company could now work with EDF as planned to provide Britain with a safe, reliable, sustainable source of low carbon energy. — Reuters