5 Jul (NucNet): State-controlled French utility EDF says it is ready to take a final investment decision on building two new nuclear reactors at Hinkley Point C in southern England, saying Britain's referendum vote to quit the European Union was no barrier to the plan and that consultations with unions has ended.
The company made the statement at the end of a non-binding process of consultation with its works council of employee representatives, a process required under French law before a company can undertake a major project.
It said the board could now move on to a final investment decision which, if positive, could set the project to build two EPR units in motion.
EDF declared the works council scrutiny at an end because the period set aside for it had expired.
However, several of the trade unions represented on the council said as they were unable to give a view on the HInkley Point C project one way or the other.
The works council last month began legal action to try to force EDF to release documents relating the project, including all the contracts it has signed with the British government and its co-investor, Chinese utility CGN. The case will he heard by a Paris court on 22 September.
“At the July 4 session [of the works council] EDF provided information on the consequences of the British vote on June 23 for the Hinkley Point C project,” EDF said.
“Backed by the studies already provided to the representatives of the workforce, EDF considers that this vote in no way changes the fundamentals of the project, nor does it alter the desire of those involved to take part in it.”
