Hinkley Point green light for nuclear reactors

THE Government’s green light today for two new nuclear reactors at Hinkley Point in Somerset has been welcomed by the county council.

Work has been on-going for more than three years to assess EDF Energy's application, to ensure the impacts of the development near Bridgwater are mitigated and the views of local communities listened to.

Millions of pounds will be spent to improve roads, junctions and to ease potential congestion as the huge operation to build Hinkley Point C gets underway – with Somerset County Council taking a lead role.

The Government announcement today removes the last planning obstacle to Hinkley Point C and it is now down to EDF and the Government to agree a price for the energy which will be produced, and for EDF to decide whether to go ahead.

The council's deputy leader, Cllr David Hall, said: "The Hinkley Point C project will unlock tremendous opportunities for Somerset, including thousands of new jobs, supply chain investment and a large number of apprenticeships for our young people.

"The proposals have a come a long way, and we are ready and waiting for the ‘go’ so we can help make the project a reality and reap the rewards for the county.”

If EDF proceed, the two reactors would be a bigger building operation than the Olympics stadium – here are some key facts and figures:

• £100million per year will be put into the regional economy during peak construction.
• £40million per year will go into the regional economy, reaching more than £2bn over the lifetime of the project.
• Hinkley Point C will be able to provide energy to around 5 million homes.
• Hinkley Point C will take approximately 8 years to construct.
• It will be operational for 60 years.
• 25,000 jobs will be created over the construction period, with 5,600 workers required at the peak of construction.
• 900 workers will be required when operational.
• 400 new apprenticeships will be created.
• EDF Energy expects there will be up to 750 HGV movements a day during construction.
• The construction site will cover 175 hectares, equivalent to around 162 full size football pitches.
• 230,000 tonnes of steel reinforcement will be needed, enough to build railway tracks stretching from London to Rome.

Council leader, Cllr John Osman, added: “This is an exciting time and a time of huge opportunity should EDF make a decision to go ahead.

“It is the chance of a lifetime and could regenerate a huge area and create jobs and opportunities for our young people for years to come.”

Tags:
News.