In August 2016, when a decision about the Hinkley Point C nuclear reactor was a hot topic, Alistair Phillips-Davies CEO of SSE (Formerly Scottish and Southern Energy) indicated that there was time for the UK to sort out its energy future with or without nuclear Hinkley Point C. Fast forward a year and not much has changed, except that Hinkley Point C has started construction. Alistair Phillips-Davies thinks that, while there is an ambitious program for a number of additional nuclear facilities in the UK, Hinkley Point C might be the only new build. Here I update on prospects for additional nuclear build, including discussion of the Hitachi-GE proposal. When 20% of the UK power system is being refurbished there are big risks and rewards for not only the companies directly involved in power generation, but also in infrastructure development. I conclude companies like Toshiba, Hitachi, KEPCO, China General Nuclear, GE involved or planning to be involved with the UK nuclear industry, are not going to have the bonanza they hoped. Time favors a major expansion of wind power development in the UK.
Seeking Alpha 29th June 2017 read more »