Critical moment

摘要

Few energy projects have been as racked with doubt as the nuclear power station due to be built at Hinkley Point in Somerset, UK. Fresh uncertainty followed the resignation of the chief finance director of EDF, the largely state-owned French company that would construct the plant, fearing EDF's share of the £18 billion cost could ruin it. The backdrop is a UK government desperate for the plug not to be pulled. It cites energy security, jobs and cost of power. Nuclear plants can supply zero-carbon power continuously, and Hinkley will generate 7 per cent of current UK electricity demand for 60 years, at a rate that is now cheaper than that of power from offshore wind. Some 25,000 jobs would be created.