EDF: Construction of a new nuclear power plant in Britain will take longer and cost more

French utility EDF has again delayed the planned start of operations at its Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant in Britain and significantly raised its estimate for construction costs. Hinkley Point C is set to become Britain’s first new nuclear power plant since the 1990s, the BBC reported.

The company said today, according to Reuters, that it now expects the plant to begin operating no earlier than 2029 and estimates construction costs at 31 billion to 34 billion pounds (roughly CZK 900 billion to 990 billion). In its outlook two years ago, it had expected operations to begin in June 2027 and costs to reach 25 billion to 26 billion pounds.

The cost estimates are based on 2015 prices. Including inflation, they could reach as much as 46 billion pounds, the BBC reported. Initial plans envisaged Hinkley Point C beginning operations as early as 2025 and costing 18 billion pounds.

In response to EDF’s announcement today, the British government said British taxpayers would not bear the higher costs. “Hinkley Point C is not a government project, so EDF and its partners are responsible for any cost increases and delays,” it added.

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