4 Sep (NucNet): The construction of the UK’s first new nuclear power station in decades at Hinkley Point could be delayed, said the chief executive officer of French utility EDF, Jean-Bernard Lévy, according to reports. He said the two planned 1,600 megawatt EPR units at Hinkley Point C in Somerset, southwest England, will not start generating power in 2023 as planned. EDF said it will provide a revised timetable for the plant when it takes a final investment decision on the project, the reports said. The UK government agreed in 2013 to proceed with the project and to provide a minimum guaranteed financial return of up to £92.50/MWh (about €126/MWh, $141/MWh) for electricity produced over 35 years at the station. “We are in the ultimate phase [of the negotiation],” Mr Levy said. He said he recognised that given the new project schedule, EDF and its potential partners would have to revise the timeline for plant startup. An investment decision is expected “as soon as possible”, Mr Levy said.
