MPs to question EDF boss about Hinkley nuclear project

The head of EDF Energy is to be questioned by MPs about the Hinkley nuclear power plant to be built in Somerset. The Energy and Climate Change Committee has also called […]

The head of EDF Energy is to be questioned by MPs about the Hinkley nuclear power plant to be built in Somerset.

The Energy and Climate Change Committee has also called other companies, including NuGeneration, Horizon Nuclear Power and China General Nuclear (CGN), which are planning to build reactors in the UK.

Vincent de Rivaz, CEO of EDF Energy and Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson, Managing Director of Nuclear New Build at the Big Six firm will be giving evidence on the future of the nuclear industry.

The news follows the announcement EDF’s Finance Director quit amid claims the decision was made due to concerns the project could threaten the power supplier’s financial position.

The Hinkley project, scheduled to start producing energy in the middle of the next decade, is expected to help keep the lights on in Britain by accounting for 7% of power generation.

Angus MacNeil MP, ECC Chair said: “The government is counting on new nuclear to supply a significant proportion of the UK’s demand for low carbon baseload power in future. The focus right now is on Hinkley Point C but there are other important projects in the pipeline. Serious questions are being raised about the cost and viability of the Hinkley project and the value for money for taxpayers.”

EDF Energy added the hearing on 23rd March will give the company an opportunity to answer questions on the investment plans for the new nuclear power station.

It signed an agreement with CGN  in October for the construction and operation of the power plant, which was recently approved by the European Commission.

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