New nuclear power station gets planning consent
Moving away from a discussion about the environmental pros and cons of nuclear power, the agreement of the planning application for a potential new nuclear power station in West Somerset betokens a potential huge economic investment in the area. I have worked in a number of rural economies where frankly the power of local resources has just not been up to the task of regenerating the economy. This investment will lead to a step change in the economic prospects of this part of Somerset, but what impact will it have on wider perceptions of the area? and will the accompanying discussions about the electricity subsidy required to trigger the investment lead to the agreement to enable it to happen? The story itself tells us:
Plans for the first new nuclear power station for nearly a generation in the UK have got the go-ahead from the energy secretary, who has said he is granting planning consent
Ed Davey told the House of Commons the French energy firm EDF would be allowed to build two new nuclear reactors at Hinkley Point in Somerset, on the site of an existing power station, which is due to close in 2023.
“It’s vital to get investment in new infrastructure to get the economy moving,” Davey said. “[Hinkley] will generate vast amounts of clean energy and enhance our energy security. It will benefit the local economy, through direct employment, the supply chain and the use of local services.”
The two 1.6-gigawatt reactors will become one of the biggest power plants in the UK, providing enough electricity for up to 5m average homes. The nuclear plant is expected to be the first in a series of new ones the coalition has proposed as part of its plans to replace ageing coal and nuclear facilities that are due to be closed over the next few years.
However, the symbolic decision on planning permission still leaves Davey’s department for energy and climate change and EDF locked in negotiations over how much subsidy the company will get during the life of the plant. It is thought officials are discussing a contract that would guarantee the French company being paid nearly £100 for each megawatt hour of electricity produced over 30 to 40 years.