Last night, the British Parliament voted on the National Policy Statement for Nuclear, ratifying the program for building new nuclear power plants in the United Kingdom. This vote is the confirmation of the government’s decision to use nuclear power to meet the UK’s growing need for low carbon electricity production.
The Parliament has also confirmed the list of sites able to host new nuclear plants, which includes Hinkley Point and Sizewell, the two priority sites identified by EDF for the construction of its future power plants.
This vote is a major step forward for the development of nuclear power in the UK, as it gives EDF and the different stakeholders involved the political and regulatory framework they need to move forward with the construction of new nuclear plants. It also means that they can continue with the national and local consenting processes required as well as consultation with the local communities affected.
It follows on from the British government’s confirmation, on 12th July, of its willingness to go-ahead with the reform of the electricity market in Great Britain. This reform created favorable conditions for investment in low carbon energy, including nuclear, by setting a minimum price for carbon and a guaranteed price for the production of low CO2 electricity.
This vote also follows the Chief Nuclear Inspector’s interim report into implications of Fukushima published mid-May. This report found that the UK nuclear industry had reacted “responsibly and appropriately”, displaying a strong safety culture. It concluded there was no reason for curtailing the operation of existing plants, nor to change the current siting strategy for new nuclear.
Henri Proglio, EDF’s Chairman and CEO, declared: “The British Parliament’s vote in favor of nuclear power represents an important step forward for the EDF Group and its new nuclear plans. Alongside its partner, Centrica, EDF is now able to pursue its plans to build new nuclear power plants in the United Kingdom, which will help make the Group a key player in the future of electricity, and a market leader in the field of decarbonized electricity”.
Vincent de Rivaz, CEO of EDF Energy, declared: “This vote also reflects the significant support of politicians, consumers, industry and the public in the United Kingdom for nuclear energy, which has been maintained after the events at Fukushima. This vote follows the reform of the electricity market confirmed on 12th July, which is favorable to operators willing to commit to low carbon energy in general and specifically to nuclear. It completes the definition of a clear investment and regulatory framework from which investors and consumers will benefit through safe, competitive electricity, with prices that remain stable over the long term”.