New Nuclear Plant Approved For UK

Hinkley B Power Station

The UK government has given the go-ahead for the first nuclear power plant to be built here for 25 years.

Although there's a lot to be sorted out before the build starts (like how much is to be paid for the electric it generates), it could be on-line by 2020.

The plant will be built by EDF at Hinkley Point in Somerset, which is already the site of 2 others. Once complete, it should provide enough power for 5 million homes, or about 20% of all homes.

Nuclear may not be ideal in many people's eyes (myself included) but it's the best, low carbon option for the job at the moment (as I explain here).

So, providing the government negotiates the right price for the energy, and the plant is delivered on schedule, I welcome it. I also hope there'll be a few more to follow.

Original news item here.