EDF Energy will be grilled by a group of MPs next week over the controversial Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant near Burnham-On-Sea.
EDF’s chief executive Vincent de Rivaz, and managing director of new nuclear build Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson, are due to appear before the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee on Wednesday March 23rd.
It comes as French Economy Minister Emmanuel Macron promised fresh financing for the troubled £18bn project on Thursday.
EDF has been forced to defend Hinkley after its chief financial officer Thomas Piquemal resigned over the huge costs. It subsequently sent a letter to employees reiterating confidence that the project will go ahead.
“The hearing will give EDF Energy an opportunity to answer the committee’s questions on the investment plans for a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C,” it said in a statement.
Angus MacNeil, committee Chairman, added: “The government is counting on new nuclear to supply a significant proportion of the UK’s demand for low-carbon baseload power in future.”
“The focus right now is on Hinkley Point C but there are other important projects in the pipeline. Serious questions are being raised about the cost and viability of the Hinkley project and the value for money for taxpayers.”
If it gets the final go-ahead, Hinkley will be the world’s most expensive nuclear energy project ever. It is scheduled to begin generating in 2025, and is expected to provide seven per cent of the UK’s electricity needs.
