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UK Likely to Build its First New Nuclear Power Plant in Decades

Accepted submission by takyon at 2016-07-28 16:08:51
Techonomics

After years of delays, approval is likely imminent for what would become the UK's first new nuclear power plant in decades [theguardian.com]:

Energy giant EDF will make its long-awaited final investment decision on the planned nuclear power station at Hinkley Point, ending doubts over the £18bn project. The French firm's board meets in Paris on Thursday and is expected to give the go-ahead for the first nuclear power station to be built in the UK for a generation. UK unions have said they would warmly welcome such a decision, much-delayed, saying workers were "raring to go" – with 25,000 jobs set to be created.

Environmental groups including Greenpeace have criticised any go-ahead, calling for investment in homegrown renewable energy like offshore wind. Fresh criticism is also expected over the government's promise to pay EDF £92.50 for each megawatt hour of energy it generates.

Hinkley Point C (HPC) would provide 7% of the UK's electricity over its estimated lifetime of 60 years and is scheduled to begin generating power in 2025, several years later than planned.

Also at The Conversation [theconversation.com].


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