Huhne visits proposed site of UK's first new nuclear power station
New nuclear programme moves to next stage as consultation on list of suitable sites closes The Rt Hon Chris Huhne MP, the Secretary of State…
New nuclear programme moves to next stage as consultation on list of suitable sites closes
The Rt Hon Chris Huhne MP, the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, visited EDF Energy’s site at Hinkley Point in Somerset today as the Government’s consultation on Energy National Policy Statements approached its end.
Visiting Hinkley Point in Somerset, already the location of two earlier nuclear power stations, and top of EDF Energy’s list of proposed sites for new build, Mr Huhne said:
“A new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point has the potential to make an important contribution to the UK’s future low carbon, secure energy supplies.
“I’ve been impressed with the level of public engagement from the communities around all eight of the sites assessed by the Government as potentially suitable for new nuclear power. The consultation period ends today. Ministers will now consider all responses before putting a final list to Parliament for approval, after which companies like EDF Energy will be able to come forward with formal planning applications.
“It’s important that local communities benefit from energy projects. Making the most of local skills is going to crucial, and I’m encouraged to see EDF Energy’s support for Bridgwater College’s new Energy Skills Centre.”
The Rt Hon Chris Huhne MP was at Hinkley Point on the final day of the Government’s consultation on the Energy National Policy Statements. The consultation has attracted more than 1,500 responses from people across the country. Eight sites were listed as being potentially suitable for the deployment of new nuclear power stations by 2025: Bradwell, Hartlepool, Heysham, Hinkley Point, Oldbury, Sizewell, Sellafield, and Wylfa. Ministers will consider the consultation responses before putting a final list to Parliament for approval. When considering applications to build nuclear power stations on the listed sites regard must be had to the guidance set out in the National Policy Statements.
Notes for editors
- The consultation on the Energy National Policy Statements closes at midnight on 24 January 2011.
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