Will they or won't they? New nuclear hangs in balance
EDF are preparing to build new nuclear reactors at Hinkley which could help growth and create 25,000 jobs, but the deal is in the balance.
Arrests after anti-nuclear protest at Hinkley Point
Four people have been arrested after protesters blockaded access to the nuclear site at Hinkley Point in Bridgwater this morning [Friday].
Frontline action at Hinkley Point
Anti-nuclear protesters are hoping to stage a mass trespass today at Hinkley Point near Bridgwater. Six people are arrested.
Live updates
Greenpeace: Hinkley C approval 'could be illegal'
– John Sauven, Executive Director of GreenpeaceIt will lock a generation of consumers into higher energy bills, via a strike price that's expected to be double the current price of electricity, and it will distort energy policy by displacing newer, cleaner, cheaper technologies. With companies now saying the price of offshore wind will drop so much it will be on par with nuclear by 2020, there is no rationale for allowing Hinkley C to proceed. Giving it the green light when there is no credible plan for dealing with the waste could also be in breach of the law.
Unite union: nuclear is 'crucial' to energy policy
– Kevin Coyne, National Officer, UniteThe construction of Hinkley Point C will create thousands of skilled construction jobs for the next five years, and around 800 jobs in the operation of the power station over the next 60 years. We hope Hinkley Point C is just the first in a fleet of new nuclear power stations which would create jobs in construction for the next 20 years. Nuclear is a crucial part of a balanced energy policy, to stop lights going out."
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Govt expected to approve Hinkley nuclear plant today
The Government is expected to announce today (Tuesday 19 March) that it is giving the go-ahead to the first of a planned fleet of new nuclear reactors in the UK.
Energy Secretary Ed Davey will announce whether he is granting consent for French energy giant EDF to build a nuclear power plant at Hinkley Point C in Somerset.
The plant's two nuclear reactors would be capable of producing 7% of the UK's electricity, enough to power five million homes, EDF said.
'No credible plan' for dealing with nuclear waste
Plans for a nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C in Somerset, will "lock a generation of consumers into higher energy bills", according to Greenpeace.
Executive director John Sauven said
It will distort energy policy by displacing newer, cleaner, cheaper technologies. With companies now saying the price of offshore wind will drop so much it will be on par with nuclear by 2020, there is no rationale for allowing Hinkley C to proceed. Giving it the green light when there is no credible plan for dealing with the waste could also be in breach of the law.
Unite union supports plans for power plant
Kevin Coyne, national officer of Unite union has backed plans for the first in a fleet of new nuclear power stations. He said:
The construction of Hinkley Point C will create thousands of skilled construction jobs for the next five years, and around 800 jobs in the operation of the power station over the next 60 years.
We hope Hinkley Point C is just the first in a fleet of new nuclear power stations which would create jobs in construction for the next 20 years. Nuclear is a crucial part of a balanced energy policy, to stop lights going out.
Hinkley Point announcement expected
Plans for a new nuclear power plant at Hinkley Point in Somerset are expected to be approved by the Government this afternoon (19th March 2013).
More than 5,000 workers will be needed to build two new reactors at a cost of 14 billion pounds. The deal with the power company EDF still depends on agreement on the price for electricity.
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Will they or won't they? New nuclear hangs in balance
EDF are preparing to build new nuclear reactors at Hinkley which could help growth and create 25,000 jobs, but the deal is in the balance.
Read the full storyFull report: Hinkley B gets extension
EDF hope for consent for Hinkley Point C
EDF announces that it hopes to get consent from the government imminently over the design of its nuclear reactor for Hinkley Point C. The company director has admitted the cost of the reactor has soared in its development in France but it will not have an impact on the cost of construction here.
The Conant says it will not start until the team is ready. The company director says he has gathered a world class team, he says the project is shovel ready but he says he has to get everything in place before shareholders can approve the project.
Energy Minister welcomes news
The Energy Minister John Hayes is welcoming the news that Hinkley B will be operating for an extra seven years.
– JOHN HAYES, ENERGY MINISTERIt is absolutely fantastic news for our energy security that these two nuclear power stations will continue generating vast amounts of electricity into the 2020s.
This decision will also secure hundreds of skilled jobs in both Somerset and North Ayrshire, highlighting the value of nuclear energy to our economy and society.