EDF, China General Nuclear commit to Hinkley Point C construction

The government of the U.K. announced on Wednesday that EDF and China General Nuclear (CGN) Corp. have confirmed their commitments to building Hinkley Point C.

They state that the facility will be capable of producing enough electricity to power approximately six million homes across the country. The announcement also states that the facility and its construction will be able to provide significant economic benefits to the U.K.; it is expected to support up to 25,000 jobs and 1,000 apprenticeships.

“We are tackling a legacy of under-investment and building energy infrastructure fit for the 21st century as part of our plan to provide the clean, affordable and secure energy that hardworking families and businesses across the country can rely on now and in the future,” U.K. Energy Secretary Amber Rudd said. “The U.K. is open for business and this is a good deal for everyone -- Hinkley Point C will continue to meet our robust safety regulations and will power nearly six million households with low-carbon energy, creating over 25,000 jobs and more financial security for working people and their families.”

Under the agreement reached between EDF and CNG, EDF will own 66.5 percent and CGN will take 33.5 percent.