Secretary of State Ed Davey approved the plans for the two 1.6 GW reactors in the House of Commons today.
Davey said the new 3.2GW plant will is of a “crucial national importance” and will play an important role in providing secure and low carbon energy for the UK.
“Therefore this decision on planning aspects of the first new nuclear power station in a generation represents an important milestone in that process to decarbonise our electricity supply and economy,” Davey told MPs.
He added that NNB generation – a subsidiary of EDF Energy – now has the majority of planning consent needed for the £14 billion project.
Dr Tim Fox, head of energy and environment at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers said the decision was a “welcome step on the way to the building of new nuclear power plants in the UK”.
Leader of Sedgemoor District Council, Ducan McGinty, said: “This is a landmark decision and an important step towards the delivery of the next generation of nuclear power stations.
“The local communities around Hinkley Point recognise the urgent national need for new energy infrastructure and accept their role as pioneers in the new low carbon economy.”
McGinty added that the local communities in West Somerset and Sedgemoor receive appropriate benefits for hosting the new power station.