Hinkley Point nuclear plant will be a 'boost for UK industry’
The Nuclear Industry Association has welcomed the Government’s decision to confirm Britain's first new nuclear power plant in 20 years.
The Nuclear Industry Association has welcomed the Government’s decision to press ahead with Hinkley Point C, providing a major boost for the UK's nuclear industry.
In a statement this morning the Government confirmed the £18bn project at Hinkley Point in Somerset will go ahead – after an 11th-hour delay sparked an international row.
This will be the first new power station to be built in the UK since Sizewell B in the 1990s, providing 7% of the UK’s electricity, powering more than six million homes and creating tens of thousands of new jobs.
Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association said: “The Prime Minister’s decision to agree to the Hinkley Point C contract is welcome news for the UK’s nuclear supply chain who are ready to deliver this important national infrastructure project, providing reliable, constant electricity as part of a balanced mix for the future.
“The positive industrial impact of this project will be enormous with contracts already in place for Welsh steel, pumps made by Scottish companies and nuclear components from across England’s industrial belt. Hinkley is a truly national project which represents an array of opportunities for the supply chain and a secure foundation for the Government’s industrial strategy.
“The benefits of nuclear power are clear and the Government, trade unions, industry and energy experts are right that it is an important part of the UK’s energy mix. Hinkley will be the first to get shovels in the ground, but we need to secure our energy future and bring more low carbon power to the grid.”
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