UK Government in Firing Line Over Hinkley Nuclear Deal

摘要

The UK announcement that it is going ahead with what's considered the world's most expensive power plant — the 3.2 gigawatt Hinkley Point C nuclear power station in Somerset — has attracted a storm of criticism over costs and timetable. France's EDF and China General Nuclear Power Corp. (CGN) agreed last week to build twin European pressurized water (EPR) reactors at the site in southwest England, with CGN taking a 33.5% stake and EDF holding a 66.5% controlling interest. EDF puts the cost at ￡18 billion ($28 billion), of which state-owned CGN will pay a third, but some industry observers suggest the eventual cost could be ￡24.5 billion or more. EDF said it might sell 15% of its stake, but keep a majority holding, and the two firms are expected to make a final investment decision very soon.