Following the latest developments on Hinkley Point C, Matt Burley, Chair of Nuclear South West said:
After the great news received last night following EDF’s historic board decision, it was indeed a disappointment to hear about further unexpected delays. Nuclear South West remains delighted that EDF has approved the financial mechanisms to allow the Hinkley Point C project to go ahead. We are optimistic that the Government will make a speedy decision allowing the region and the country to press ahead with this once in a lifetime opportunity to secure low carbon energy supply for decades to come, while growing a vibrant supply chain and highly skilled workforce for the future.
Phil Smith, Managing Director of Business West, which is part of the Nuclear South West cluster, said:
The unexpected announcement by the government that it wants to review the detail further before giving the green light has caused frustration for the many businesses that have been awaiting the FID from EDF.
It is important that the Prime Minister makes a decision quickly to restore confidence and avoid any long term uncertainty. Post Brexit, we need to send a strong message to the world that we are open for business.
This is a great infrastructure project, the like of which the South West needs if we are to continue to create confidence in business in this region.