Cost Surge for France-China Nuclear Plant Construction in UK

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A project to build a nuclear plant at Hinkley Point in Britain will overrun by 1.5 billion pounds (1.95 billion US dollars), France's EDF power supplier said on Monday, warning also of delays of up to 15 months.

EDF is part of a French-Chinese consortium that was awarded the two-reactor project last year.

"The final project costs are now estimated at 19.6 billion pounds (25.4 billion US dollars) at 2015 rates, an increase of 1.5 billion pounds," EDF said in a statement.

It also warned of a possible delay of 15 months in delivering the first reactor, and nine months for the second.

Security gates stand at the entrance to the Bradwell nuclear power station on the Dengie peninsula in Bradwell, UK. /VCG Photo

The announcement came after EDF on June 26 said it was carrying out a "full review" of Hinkley Point's costs and schedule.

Named Hinkley Point C, the project, built in the southwestern English county of Somerset, will provide seven percent of Britain's power needs, according to the British government.

The project, scheduled under the deal to start producing electricity in 2025, has a projected operational lifetime of 60 years.

The deal was approved by Prime Minister Theresa May's government last September.

EDF, mainly owned by the French government, is funding around two-thirds of the cost and its Chinese partner the remainder.

(Source: AFP)

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