EDF follows through on UK plans

Monday, 31 October 2011 EDF Energy has embarked on the process to gain planning consent for a new nuclear power plant at Hinkley Point C. The company has delivered a Development Consent Order to build and operate a 3260 MWe plant and to construct associated developments at the site to the UK's Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC). The IPC, an independent body that examines applications for nationally significant infrastructure projects, has 28 days in which to decide whether to accept the submission. If accepted, the IPC will publish all application documents on its website and provide opportunities for members of the public to register interest and participate in hearings on the application. The ultimate decision on whether to grant development consent will rest with the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, to whom the IPC will make its recommendation after completing its examination of the application, although the IPC process is still subject to the enactment of a new Localism Bill currently before the UK parliament. EDF Energy CEO Vincent de Rivaz recently noted that the development consent application will include an indicative timetable for the project, although no decision on a main construction start date is likely before a final investment decision is made on the project.