Friday 21 September 2012

EDF plans for new Sizewell nuclear plant move forward

EDF Energy will begin its public consultation on building a new nuclear power plant at Sizewell in Suffolk, the supplier announced today.

Today the French operator is sending a draft Statement of Community Consultation (SoCC) to Suffolk local authorities in the first step towards plans for a new plant next to its existing Sizewell B reactor (pictured).

Richard Mayson, Director of Planning and External Affairs for EDF Energy Nuclear New Build said: "We are very pleased to signal the start of our formal consultation for Sizewell C. It demonstrates our clear intent to progress our role at the forefront of the UK's nuclear renaissance.”

The Sizewell C announcement comes just as the examination of its application for Hinkley Point C in Somerset concludes.

Mr Mayson added: "As well as helping to supply new low carbon electricity for ten million homes, both these projects offer massive employment and economic opportunities for local residents and firms. We now look forward to the planning decision for Hinkley Point C and to working with the communities in Suffolk to develop our proposals at Sizewell including mitigating identified impacts."

Hinkley Point C is subject to planning consent and a final investment decision by the end of the year.

EDF Energy has published plans to build four new nuclear plants which it says could generate enough low carbon electricity for about 40% of Britain’s homes.

Vincent de Rivaz, the supplier’s chief executive has said in the past his firm is waiting on the right investment framework, which hangs on the Energy Bill due this Autumn. Crucial to this is the Contracts for Difference which will set the amount of money Government gives suppliers for generating energy.