UK eyes reclaiming nuclear power: Talks with France underway
The United Kingdom is in discussions with France about buying back three nuclear power plants from the French company EDF, reports Politico. The facilities involved in the talks are Bradwell B, Heysham, and Hartlepool. No final decisions have been made yet.
The British government is negotiating with France to repurchase three UK-based nuclear power plants from the state-owned energy giant EDF, according to Politico. The discussions occurred during the International Energy Agency summit in London, where UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband met with French Minister of Industry and Energy Marc Ferracci.
The UK is planning an ambitious increase in its nuclear capacity, striving to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband emphasizes that nuclear energy is vital for ensuring stable and clean power sources.
To meet these goals, the British strategy includes plans to award contracts for constructing small modular reactors (SMRs). New sites will be needed to realize these plans, making the three discussed facilities natural choices.
Heysham and Hartlepool are scheduled to be decommissioned by 2030, while Bradwell B remains undeveloped. All three facilities are located in the UK but are owned by EDF, with France being the sole shareholder. The UK aims to gain control over the future development of nuclear energy within the country.
Challenges and opportunities
Taking over Bradwell B may require compensation to the Chinese company CGN, which currently leases the site. Wylfa might be reserved as a location for a third large-capacity power plant, alongside Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C. These decisions could significantly impact the future of the UK’s nuclear energy sector.
No new nuclear power plant has been constructed in the UK since 1995. There is a risk that the long-delayed construction of the Hinkley Point C plant may not be finished before 2031, and the government is still considering the final investment decision on its sister plant, Sizewell C.
