U.K. Grants First Nuclear Licence in 25 Years

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Written by Martin Lynch, European News Editor for Industrial Info (Galway, Ireland) -- The U.K. has granted the first new site licence for a nuclear power station project to the U.K. division of French energy giant, Electricite de France (EPA:EDF) (Paris).

The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has granted the site licence to NNB Generation Company (NNB GenCo), which is going to build a new nuclear power plant (NPP) at Hinkley Point in Somerset. The ONR spent more than three years assessing what it called "NNB GenCo's suitability, capability and competence to hold a nuclear site licence".

The 3,300-megawatt (MW) Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant will use two European Pressurised Reactors (EPRs), which will be capable of generating enough power for around 5 million homes when they are commissioned in 2018. The project got a local boost back in September when EDF Energy concluded a 'breakthrough' deal worth around €124 million ($162 million) with a number of Somerset councils to compensate for the likely disruption caused by the building of Hinkley Point C. For additional information, see September 18, 2012, article - EDF Greases Wheels of Hinkley Point Nuclear Project.

"To get us to this point, ONR's experienced, expert assessors have been assessing the adequacy of NNB GenCo's organisation, its arrangements for complying with conditions attached to the licence, the suitability of the site and NNB GenCo's ability to prepare a safety report for the proposed installation at Hinkley Point C," explained HM Chief Nuclear Inspector, Mike Weightman.

"Although a significant step, it is important to note that granting a nuclear site licence does not constitute permission to start construction of nuclear safety-related plant. That requires permission from ONR, permits from the Environment Agency and planning consent from the Secretary of State."

Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson, EDF Energy Managing Director of Nuclear New Build, said: "The award of a Nuclear Site Licence for Hinkley Point C is another crucial step forward as we ready ourselves to build the first new nuclear reactors in the UK for around 20 years, subject to our final investment decision. The proposed new power station in Somerset will provide enough low carbon electricity to power five million homes and its construction will create around 25,000 jobs at site alone, giving a real boost to the economy. However, there is still a great deal of work to be done before this nationally significant infrastructure project can become a reality. This includes working with Government to agree a Contract for Difference that is in the best interests of both consumers and investors."

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