The GMB, a U.K-based union of nuclear workers, applauded the recent announcement from EDF Chairman Jean-Bernard Levy that the company has offered its commitment to build two nuclear reactors in the U.K.
The reactors will consist of the Hinkley Point C reactor and the Sizewell New Nuclear Low Carbon reactor. According to the GMB announcement, these two reactors would allow approximately 10 million homes to be powered through low-carbon means.
“This is great news as Hinkley Point C promises 25,000 job opportunities,1,000 apprenticeships and 60 percent of the construction cost going to UK companies,” GMB National Secretary of Energy Gary Smith said. “This is also a really positive announcement in terms of the environment. The U.K. desperately need the low carbon electricity Hinkley and Sizewell will produce.”
The main focus of the announcement from Levy was to indicate that the construction of a European Pressurized Reactor (EPR) at the Flamanville Nuclear Power Station in Normandy, France. They state that the setbacks of the Flamanville project would not impact their commitment to the two U.K. EPRs.
“I have total confidence in the Flamanville EPR,” Levy said in a news conference. “It is a priority for EDF and a major issue for the French nuclear industry and its international reputation.”
According to GMB, Levy also stated this confidence for the Hinkley Point project.
