EDF Energy marks further progress for Hinkley Point C with granting of nuclear site licence

EDF Energy put another important component of its new nuclear plans in place today as the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) granted a Nuclear Site Licence (NSL) for Hinkley Point C.

The granting of the site licence is recognition from the UK’s independent nuclear regulator that NNB GenCo, the new nuclear build subsidiary of EDF Energy, has developed the required organisation, management structure, plans and procedures needed for the construction, commissioning and operation of the proposed new nuclear power station in Somerset. The conditions of the licence require the development, implementation and maintenance of adequate safety arrangements throughout the life of Hinkley Point C.

The Nuclear Site Licence does not provide full permission for the construction of the power station and EDF Energy will require a further consent from the ONR to start nuclear related construction under the terms of the NSL. EDF Energy also requires full planning consent.  Having completed the examination of EDF Energy's application to build and operate a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C in Somerset in September, the Planning Inspectorate now has until 21 December to put forward its recommendation to the secretary of state for energy and climate change.

Today’s announcement marks further progress as EDF Energy readies itself to make the final investment decision for Hinkley Point C. The granting of a Nuclear Site Licence comes soon after an agreement with local councils to mitigate the impact of building the new power station and acknowledgement from regulators that the reactor design proposed for the project is on course to be approved for use in the UK this year. EDF Energy is now on the brink of delivering new nuclear at Hinkley Point C with an infrastructure project similar in scale to the London Olympics, delivering significant benefits in terms of jobs, skills and economic growth both locally and nationally.

Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson, EDF Energy managing director of Nuclear New Build, said: “The award of a Nuclear Site Licence for Hinkley Point C is another crucial step forward as we ready ourselves to build the first new nuclear reactors in the UK for around 20 years, subject to our final investment decision.

“The Nuclear Site Licence serves as a vote of confidence in EDF Energy’s ability to deliver new nuclear.  Following recent confirmation by the joint regulator that the EPR reactor design is on course for approval later this year, the award of the Nuclear Site Licence serves as further evidence of the strong momentum behind our new nuclear plans.

“The proposed new power station in Somerset will provide enough low carbon electricity to power five million homes and its construction will create around 25,000 jobs at site alone, giving a real boost to the economy. However, there is still a great deal of work to be done before this nationally significant infrastructure project can become a reality. We remain focused on putting the components in place that will enable a final investment decision to be made at the earliest possible date. This includes working with government to agree a Contract for Difference that is in the best interests of both consumers and investors.”