UK eyes nuclear independence with bid to reclaim plant trio
The United Kingdom is in discussions with France about buying back three nuclear power stations from the French company EDF, reports Politico. The discussions involve the Bradwell B, Heysham, and Hartlepool facilities. No final decisions have been made yet.
The British government is negotiating with France to repurchase three nuclear power stations located in the UK from the state-owned energy giant EDF, according to Politico. The talks took place during the International Energy Agency summit in London, where UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and French Minister of Industry and Energy Marc Ferracci met.
The UK plans an ambitious increase in nuclear capacity, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband emphasises that nuclear energy is crucial for ensuring stable and clean energy sources.
To achieve this, the British plan includes, for instance, awarding contracts for the construction of small modular reactors (SMR). New locations will be needed to realise these plans, and the three discussed facilities are a natural choice.
Heysham and Hartlepool are set to be decommissioned by 2030, while Bradwell B remains undeveloped. All three are located in the UK but are owned by EDF, whose sole shareholder is the French state. The UK's goal is to take control of the future development of nuclear energy in the country.
Challenges and opportunities
Taking over Bradwell B may involve compensation to the Chinese company CGN, which currently leases the site. Wylfa might be reserved for a third large-capacity power station, alongside Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C. These decisions could impact the future of the UK's nuclear energy sector.
No new nuclear power station has been built on the islands since 1995. There is a risk that the heavily delayed construction of the Hinkley Point C station will not be completed before 2031, and the government still considers the final investment decision on the sister station, Sizewell C.
