24 May (NucNet): French utility EDF cannot give a definite time for when it will make a final investment decision regarding the Hinkley C nuclear project in the UK, the chief executive officer of UK subsidiary EDF Energy told MPs today. The project to build two EPR units, estimated to cost £18bn (€23bn), was announced in October 2013. The station is expected to produce seven percent of the UK’s electricity when built, but a final investment decision has been delayed as state-owned EDF secures partners and financing. Vincent de Rivaz told parliament’s energy and climate change committee some of the company’s trade union members had suggested the project should be delayed by two to three years. He said the final decision will be taken once a consultation by the company’s central works council has taken place. That consultation began on 2 May and will last at least 60 days, Mr de Rivaz said. “I don’t want to prejudge the outcome of the consultation… the sooner we have the final investment decision the better,” he said. Mr de Rivaz was called to reappear before the committee after indicating at an appearance in March that a final decision could be taken by early May. The committee asked him to explain why that had not happened.
