New figures have revealed the cost of new build generation to consumers is reducing and that the lifetime cost of Swansea Bay tidal lagoon could be the same as the cost of Hinkley Point C. The report found that as enabling contracts are replaced by new competitive contracts, costs were being reduced and claims that the lifetime cost to consumers of its proposed Swansea Bay tidal lagoon could be the same as EDF’s Hinkley Point C nuclear plant. Over its operational lifetime of 120 years, tidal lagoon power could cost consumers an additional £25.78 per MWh on their energy bills based on a 90-year Contract for Difference (CfD). Hinkley Point C costs £25.78 per MWh, based on a 35-year CfD and operational life of 60 years but the costs are based on a load factor of 20% for Swansea Bay tidal lagoon and 91% for Hinkley Point C.
Utility Week 11th July 2016 read more »
RENews 11th July 2016 read more »
Chinese investors push for more Chinese staff and materials, as EDF insists Brexit won’t affect project. Chinese investors behind EDF’s £18bn Hinkley Point C nuclear plant in Somerset are ramping up their involvement in the beleaguered project and pushing for Chinese staff and materials to be deployed on the job, Building understands. The long-delayed plant is part-funded by China General Nuclear, which is reported to have a 33.5% stake in Hinkley, while its compatriot Chinese National Nuclear Corporation is in talks to take a stake in the project. A source close to the project told Building these Chinese investors want more involvement in the project than just putting money into it and are looking to get Chinese workers and materials on board. The source said: “[The Chinese] are keen to have a wider impact than just financing. They’re looking at getting Chinese project managers on it and so on, to progress the project quicker.” Developer EDF has encouraged Hinkley contractors to buy Chinese equipment and components, the source said.
Building 8th July 2016 read more »
THE specialist nuclear division of a marine services specialist is hoping to win lucrative contracts at Hinkley Point. Energy company EDF is expected to announce imminently that it is pushing ahead with the new nuclear power plant in Somerset, the first in the UK for almost 20 years. EDF is owned by the French state. The way is clear for it to make the final investment decision following the conclusion of a consultation with its Central Works Council last week, where French unions raised no objections. There had been fears that the unions might try to delay the project, in part because the reactor technology being used is new and untested. James Fisher and Sons described the outcome as “encouraging news”. The Barrow-based company, which is already a major player in nuclear decommissioning, has made no secret of the fact that it sees major opportunities in nuclear new build at Hinkley Point and at Moorside, Sellafield.
NW Evening Mail 12th July 2016 read more »
In Cumbria 12th July 2016 read more »