The granting of the site licence is recognition from the UK’s independent nuclear regulator that NNB GenCo, the new nuclear build subsidiary of EDF Energy, has developed the required organisation, management structure, plans and procedures needed for the construction, commissioning and operation of the proposed new nuclear power station in Somerset. The conditions of the licence require the development, implementation and maintenance of adequate safety arrangements throughout the life of Hinkley Point C.
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The Nuclear Site Licence does not provide full permission for the construction of the power station and EDF Energy will require a further consent from the ONR to start nuclear related construction under the terms of the NSL. EDF Energy also requires full planning consent for the project. Having completed the examination of EDF Energy's application to build and operate a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C in Somerset in September, the Planning Inspectorate now has until December 21st to put forward its recommendation to the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change.
The announcement marks further progress as EDF Energy readies itself to make the final investment decision for Hinkley Point C. The granting of a Nuclear Site License comes soon after an agreement with local councils to mitigate the impact of building the new power station and acknowledgement from regulators that the reactor design proposed for the project is on course to be approved for use in the UK this year.
EDF Energy is now on the brink of delivering new nuclear at Hinkley Point C with an infrastructure project similar in scale to the London Olympics, delivering significant benefits in terms of jobs, skills and economic growth both locally and nationally.
(CD/GK)
