The UK Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy announced this morning that the government goes ahead with the Hinkley Point C nuclear power project. This is a very important decision for the nuclear energy sector in Europe, especially EDF, and energy policy in general.Â
Below we give the literal text of the press release put out by the UK Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, explaining that the government is taking extra precautions to ensure that it is able at all times to control its nuclear industry, after concerns about the Chinese involvement in the project. There is no change in the “strike price” of 92.50 pounds per MWh (inflation-proof, 35 years) that has been agreed with builders EDF, which has been criticized by many as too expensive.
“Following a comprehensive review of the Hinkley Point C project, and a revised agreement with EDF, the Government has decided to proceed with the first new nuclear power station for a generation. However, ministers will impose a new legal framework for future foreign investment in Britain’s critical infrastructure, which will include nuclear energy and apply after Hinkley.
The agreement in principle with EDF means that:
The Government will be able to prevent the sale of EDF’s controlling stake prior to the completion of construction, without the prior notification and agreement of ministers. This agreement will be confirmed in an exchange of letters between the Government and EDF. Existing legal powers, and the new legal framework, will mean that the Government is able to intervene in the sale of EDF’s stake once Hinkley is operational.
The new legal framework for future foreign investment in British critical infrastructure will mean that:
After Hinkley, the British Government will take a special share in all future nuclear new build projects. This will ensure that significant stakes cannot be sold without the Government’s knowledge or consent.
The Office for Nuclear Regulation will be directed to require notice from developers or operators of nuclear sites of any change of ownership or part-ownership. This will allow the Government to advise or direct the ONR to take action to protect national security as a result of a change in ownership.
There will be reforms to the Government’s approach to the ownership and control of critical infrastructure to ensure that the full implications of foreign ownership are scrutinised for the purposes of national security. This will include a review of the public interest regime in the Enterprise Act 2002 and the introduction of a cross-cutting national security requirement for continuing Government approval of the ownership and control of critical infrastructure.
These changes will bring Britain’s policy framework for the ownership and control of critical infrastructure into line with other major economies. This will allow the UK Government to introduce a consistent approach to considering the national security implications of all significant investments in critical infrastructure, including nuclear energy, in the future. The changes mean that, while the UK will remain one of the most open economies in the world, the public can be confident that foreign direct investment works in the country’s best interests.
Greg Clark, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, said:
Having thoroughly reviewed the proposal for Hinkley Point C, we will introduce a series of measures to enhance security and will ensure Hinkley cannot change hands without the Government’s agreement. Consequently, we have decided to proceed with the first new nuclear power station for a generation.
Britain needs to upgrade its supplies of energy, and we have always been clear that nuclear is an important part of ensuring our future low-carbon energy security.
The collaboration between France and the United Kingdom underlines the continued strength of the bilateral relationship and the ongoing industrial and energy co-operation.
The Government is committed to ensuring the country has a secure low carbon energy supply. Hinkley Point C will be a critical part of that, and will inaugurate a new era of UK nuclear power – building on Britain’s strong nuclear legacy. Currently, the UK has eight power stations which generate around 20% of power in the UK. Almost all of these existing power stations are due to close by 2030. This underlines why the Government needs to take decisions now on how we will ensure we have sufficient and diverse supply fit for future generations.
Hinkley Point C will provide seven per cent of Britain’s electricity needs for sixty years. UK-based businesses will benefit from more than 60% of the ÂŁ18 billion value of the project, and 26,000 jobs and apprenticeships will be created.”
onesecond says
Renewables beat nuclear handily on price and energy security. The UK can’t decouple from the great buildout in renewable capacity as they emerge as the winner in every category. Hinkley C, if ever completed, will be nothing more than an expensive liability.
Mike Parr says
As I thought, it would go ahead. UK subjects will now pay for over priced (but also index-linked) elec’ for the next 35 years. There are numerous reasons for this state of affairs. UK readers will be glad to know that one of them is keeping Tory-party coffers filled. UK construction companies, historic “doners” to the Tory-party will now enjoy windfall contracts. Naturally their gratitude will be expressed in future donations – ensuing that come 2020, the Tory party will, once again, be able to take UK subjects, once more, for a ride/fleecing.
As P.T.Barnum once remarked “a sucker is born every minute” – given Hinkley, they seem to have been breeding them non-stop in the UK.
I won’t comment on the PR from the Department – I never comment on stuff that is an insult to my and others intelligence & knowledge.
Mike Parr says
For those that want more detail on why Hinkley went ahead and also the deep corruption in UK (tory) politics I can recommend this article which contains lots of detail:
http://www.thecanary.co/2016/09/15/hinkley-tories-private-bank-balances-going-nuclear/
Oh & just for UK “subjects” – please prepare a cheque for ÂŁ25/year for then next 35 years for Hinkley – cos’ that is what it is going to cost you…. suckers (ref: P.T.Barnum).
Bas says
Mike,
That type of “under the table trading” or semi-corruption is not uncommon. E.g.
– As Michael Moore showed in “Sicko”, it contributes to the exceptional high costs of USA health care (16% of GDP while ~10% is av. in high developed countries), while the live span in USA is below that of high developed countries (35 place in the world, behind Cuba etc).
– Spain introduced new laws which in fact restored the monopoly of utilities. The law facilitated such charges that all rooftop solar panels were taken off the roof and stored in barns. Owners of solar farms sold their farm for a very low price to the utility, etc.
As far as I know, the only effective measure against it are regular referendums which allow the whole population to vote about numerous subjects. Such as they have in Switzerland, the by far most successful country in Europe (I’m Dutch, living in Netherlands most of the time).