Davey hints China to help fund Hinkley nuclear plant

Energy Secretary Ed Davey has given a strong hint the Chinese could get involved in a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point. In a television interview yesterday he said […]

Energy Secretary Ed Davey has given a strong hint the Chinese could get involved in a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point.

In a television interview yesterday he said the Government is “extremely close” to a deal with EDF and also talked up trade links with China.

The comments appear to support reports Chinese General Nuclear Power Group (CGNP) could take a 49% stake in the project at Hinkley Point C.

The Energy Secretary said: “It is really possible we will see massive Chinese investment, not just in nuclear but across the board.”

Asked about a recent visit to China, he says he “saw all their nuclear companies, I talked to their government about Britain’s nuclear power and opportunities for British nuclear companies in China – and the Chinese, along with the Japanese and Koreans and other countries, are very interested in the opportunity in Britain’s nuclear sector.”

Mr Davey also said negotiations with French energy company EDF Energy were on the cusp of finalisation.

He said: “I’ve been involved with the nuclear negotiations for some time now, ever since I’ve been in office, I’ve been looking at it in minute detail and we’re extremely close for a deal with EDF.

“If and when we get that deal I’ll announce it to parliament and I think I’ll be able to show that it’s extremely good value for money for consumers, helping people with their energy bills long term,” he told the BBC’s Andrew Marr.

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