UK accelerates nuclear ambitions

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The UK government has ambitious plans for the immediate expansion of the country’s nuclear power sector, with two nuclear power plants planned for the next decade and discussions around a third. EDF’s Hinkley Point C in Somerset and Sizewell C in Suffolk projects have been approved through the government, which are aimed at the UK’s transition from fossil fuels to greener alternatives, in line with national climate commitments.

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Hinkley Point C, which will be in Somerset, southwest England, could supply up to seven percent of the country’s electricity once it is fully operational. Once completed, it is expected to supply enough blank electrical power to power six million homes for 60 years. The French company EDF currently operates five nuclear power plants in the United Kingdom.

The growth rate has increased especially since EDF received approval for the task in 2012, which could make it the most expensive nutransparent power plant in the world. EDF had said in the past that it expected the plant to cost about $22 billion, but raised that estimate to about $58. 4 billion at the start of the year. Its final touch date was also delayed by 3 to 4 years, and it is expected to be completed until 2031. The company blamed inflation, Covid and Brexit for the accumulation of costs and allocations. Delays. Although the enhancement has raised some concerns in public opinion, a government spokesperson made it clear that the plant “is not a government order” and stated that “any excess prices or schedule is the responsibility of EDF and its partners and will not be to blame in any way”. It will fall on the taxpayers. ”

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In May, EDF granted an operating licence through the UK nuclear regulator’s Office for the Nuclear Regulator (ONR) for the expansion of its Sizewell C nuclear power station in Suffolk, southern England. This is the first license of its kind granted in more than a decade. It is expected that . Sizewell C is a reproduction of the company’s Hinkley Point C. EDF is applying to make a final investment resolution in the task until the end of 2024.

Unlike Hinkley, EDF owns just under 50% of Sizewell’s capital, while the government owns just over 50%. The company is now ready to make new investments following the ban on Chinese company CGN funding the progression on safety grounds. The French company expects to be informed from Hinkley’s progress to build Sizewell in about nine years.

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Claire Coutinho, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, said: “Anglesey has a proud nuclear history and it is fitting that once back it can play a central role in strengthening the UK’s energy security. Wylfa would only bring clean, reliable electricity to millions of homes, but it can also create thousands of good-paying jobs and attract investment across North Wales. Meanwhile, Tom Greatrex, chief executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said: “A large-scale allocation in Wylfa would be the largest foreign investment in Wales’ history and a huge step towards energy security and net zero for the whole country. “

The approval of new nuclear facilities demonstrates the UK government’s commitment to a long-term drive by virgin nuclear electricity. Expanding the UK’s nuclear power capacity will enable the government to meet its climate commitments and transition from fossil fuels to renewable alternatives. If the Wales plant is approved, the UK would be on track to meet the nuclear targets set out in its 2050 roadmap.

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