EDF ‘pressing on with nuclear power station’
Board’s vote split 10-7 in favour of plan
EDF HAS decided to press ahead with building a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point, according to reports in Paris.
The French energy giant had been expected to make the final investment decision at a board meeting, clearing the way for the £18bn project to go ahead. Reports said the board voted by 10-7 in favour. EDF in the UK made no comment.
John Sauven, Greenpeace executive director, said: “This deal was more riven with dissension in the EDF board than anyone expected. It’s unprecedented division and far closer than predicted.
“Countless experts have warned that for British families this power station will be terrible value for money. This is a bitter pill to swallow for hard-up people who have been told that the Government is trying to keep bills down while dealing with energy security and lowering carbon emissions.
“Today’s decision doesn’t prove the UK is open for business post Brexit – it just shows the Hinkley deal became too big to fail in the eyes of British and French politicians.”
A director opposed to the construction of Hinkley Point C resigned before the board met. Gerard Magnin said in his resignation letter that Hinkley Point was “very risky”.
He did not attend the board meeting, leaving 17 directors to make the crucial decision.
Shadow Energy Secretary Barry Gardiner said: “Labour is clear that there is a role for new nuclear as part of our future low carbon infrastructure; but not at any price.
“The Government’s failure to get a grip of the public interest here shows a startling level of incompetence.”
GMB national officer Phil Whitehurst said: “This decision sends a clear post-Brexit signal to the world that UK plc is open for business and important, highprofile infrastructure projects like Hinkley Point mean Britain is serious about remaining a key player for decades to come. This is important, not just for Somerset and the surrounding area, but for the whole country.”
GMB national secretary for energy Justin Bowden added: “The announcement that building work can start immediately at Hinkley Point C is great news for the economy and a first stop in plugging the UK energy needs gap that exists due to the Government’s failure to have a proper, balanced energy policy.”
Protesters had gathered to show their opposition to the plan, describing it as “financial suicide”. The small group held banners and flags in King’s Square in Bridgwater, Somerset.
Allan Jefferey, 64, spokesman for campaign group Stop Hinkley, called on EDF to withdraw from the project. “I would like to urge EDF at their board meeting not to go ahead with what will be financial or commercial suicide,” Mr Jefferey said.
This deal was more riven with dissension than anyone expected John Sauven of Greenpeace commenting on the 10-7 vote in the boardroom.