EDF Energy can now go ahead and build the £14bn Hinkley Point C plant in Somerset, which will be one of the largest power stations in the UK.
Through its NNB Generation company, EDF will build two reactors, supporting between 20,000 and 25,000 jobs during construction.
However, EDF and the government have still to reach a deal on the price it will be paid for electricity produced at Hinkley Point C. Until this Contract for Difference is resolved, the project will not get off the starting blocks.
Energy secretary Ed Davey said: “The planning decision to give consent to Hinkley Point follows a rigorous examination from the Planning Inspectorate, and detailed analysis within my department.
“I am confident that the planning decision I have made is robust, evidence-based, compatible with the Energy National Policy Statements and is in the best interests of the country.
“It’s vital to get investment in new infrastructure to get the economy moving. Low carbon energy projects will bring major investment, supporting jobs and driving growth.
“This planned project adds to a number of new energy projects consented since May 2010, including wind farms and biomass and gas-fired power stations.
“This planned new nuclear power station in Somerset will generate vast amounts of clean energy and enhance our energy security. It will benefit the local economy, through direct employment, the supply chain and the use of local services.”
The decision follows three years of in-depth consultation with local communities and a year-long examination by the UK Planning Inspectorate.
EDF’s submission included 55,000 pages of detailed evidence, more than 100 public meetings and exhibitions, as well as individual responses to 33,000 comments received from the public and stakeholders. Agreement reached during consultation with local communities led to a number of changes to the planning application.
EDF said that Hinkley Point C could provide the UK with enough secure low carbon electricity to meet 7% of the country’s needs for 60 years or more.
Hinkley Point C is also the first piece of national infrastructure on this scale to be approved under the new 2008 Planning Act.
EDF Energy chief executive Vincent de Rivaz said: “Receiving permission to construct a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C is a huge achievement, which represents years of hard work. It reflects an extraordinary level of professionalism and work from EDF Energy’s planning team, the Planning Inspectorate, local authorities and a wide range of stakeholders.
“This decision sets up a huge opportunity for this project to provide enormous benefits to the UK in jobs, skills, cutting carbon emissions and future energy security. We are ready to deliver and an extensive supply chain is standing by to begin work.
“To make this opportunity a reality, we need to reach agreement swiftly on the Contract for Difference for Hinkley Point C. It must offer a fair and balanced deal for consumers and investors. Intensive discussions with the government are taking place and agreement is still possible.
“The success of this pioneering project will kick start the new nuclear programme in the UK and is expected to lead to lower costs for successive UK nuclear plants.”
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