Friday 22 July 2011
French power giants EDF Energy have announced the delay to its newest nuclear power station coming online. The reactor design is one being used to construct new UK plants and has caused some in the industry to state their fears over the delay of building in the UK.
In a media statement, EDF said "the experience gained from construction at Flamanville is invaluable as we progress in the UK. Each time EDF builds the EPR, our expertise increases. We are already seeing the benefits of the experience from existing projects."
The effects of Fukushima and the report from Chief Nuclear Inspector Dr Mike Weightman are expected to add to the delays.
After admitting that the Flamanville 3 plant would take almost twice as long and cost nearly twice as much, EDF said they would deliver an "adjusted timetable" furthering doubts over the deliver of electricity from the UK's new generation of nuclear power.