A final investment decision on the long-delayed nuclear plant in Somerset is on the agenda for a meeting of the French energy giant’s board tomorrow (28 July).
“We urge the EDF board to give the financial go-ahead on a project which will generate thousands of decent skilled jobs and help meet the energy needs of the UK for generations to come,” said Unite national officer for energy Kevin Coyle.
“The cost of not doing so could result in the lights going out in Britain and the West Country missing out on the much needed economic boost which this major infrastructure project would bring.
“Unite has already done a lot of preparation in reaching agreements with contractors over pay and skills, as well as safeguards against blacklisting on the site. Workers are shovel ready and raring to go – all they need is the green light from the EDF board.”
The view contrasts with those of several French unions which have called for a decision to be postponed until there is a working example of the European Pressurised Reactor technology which will be used at Hinkley. EPRs being built in France, Finland and China have suffered cost overruns and delays.
Yesterday EDF reportedly approved plans to sell off €4 billion of new shares ahead of a final investment decision on Hinkley. The French government, which currently owns an 85 per cent in the company, said it would buy €3 billion worth.