nuclear-news

“The UK probably has the most expensive energy in the world.”

http://www.centralsomersetgazette.co.uk/Hinkley-Point-Nuclear-power-expensive-claim/story-20332147-detail/story.html

Posted: December 17, 2013

THE planned new nuclear power plant at Hinkley Point looks set for further delay, and has been strongly criticised by an industry heavyweight.

Under rules from Brussels, state governments are not allowed to get involved in the free market in a big way, and the EU is considering whether the 35-year-deal is too long and equal to state backing of a private deal.

A decision about whether an enquiry into the deal by the EU Commission is needed was due to be made yesterday.

And Jim Ratcliffe, boss of Ineos, one of the UK’s biggest energy consumers, warned that electricity produced at the site will be too expensive.

The government agreement gives EDF the security of a fixed price of £92.50 per megawatt for the energy the power station produced.

When speaking with the BBC on Monday, Mr Ratcliffe, said: “Forget it.

“Nobody in manufacturing is going to go near that price.”

In the interview Mr Ratcliffe added: “The UK probably has the most expensive energy in the world.

“It is more expensive than Germany, it is more expensive than France, it is much, much, more expensive than America.

“It is not competitive at all, on the energy front, I am afraid.”

“Even for a massive company like EDF, Hinkley Point is a huge investrment of which makes it inherently risky.”

Hinkley Point C has the potential to create 25,000 jobs in the United Kingdom during its construction.

When operational it will employ 900 workers and will be able to supply up to seven per cent of the UK’s electricity needs, with no carbon emissions.

December 17, 2013 - Posted by arclight2011part2 | Uncategorized