Why do we need Hinkley Point? Everything you should know about UK’s first nuclear power station in 20 years
As Theresa May gives final approval to the Hinkley Point C plant in Somerset, we answer the questions you need to know
Why do we need Hinkley?
New power plants are essential as North Sea oil and gas reserves run dry and coal is taken out of production to cut emissions.
Hinkley will produce seven per cent of our electricity.
Is there any alternative?
Nuclear is low-carbon and will help meet climate change targets. Green groups prefer investing in wind and solar power.
Why does it cost so much?
EDF needs a guaranteed price to cover the £18billion cost of building the plant.
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But consumers could be £30billion out of pocket?
The price is more than double current market rates. If it remains like this, EDF will pick up a subsidy of £30billion over 35 years. But the market price could rise.
What will the guaranteed price be?
The Government set a price of £92.50 per megawatt hour in 2013. But it rises with inflation each year and could be £120 per MwH by 2026 when the plant is due to be working.
Will it be built on time?
Unlikely. EDF once boasted that Brits would be eating Christmas turkeys in 2017 using its nuclear power.
There are also huge question marks over the technology the firm is using.