14 May 2012

EDF Ground Work Delayed at Hinkley Point, UK

French utility EDF (Électricité de France) has delayed ground work for a planned new nuclear power plant at Hinkley Point in the UK. The British daily {}The Guardian reports today: “Work to move millions of cubic metres of soil and rock at the Hinkley site was due to begin in August, according to West Somerset council’s planning department. But EDF staff have been told the work will now start in 2013.” The information comes just three days after EDF junior partner Centrica’s CEO Sam Laidlaw stated: “The investment case for nuclear has yet to be proven.” Another blow to the UK new build plans—with EDF remaining the only utility officially committed to invest—just one day prior to French President elect François Hollande taking office and revealing his Prime Minister.