Commenting on the confirmation from Greg Clark that Hinkley Point C would proceed, Dr Nelson Ogunshakin OBE said:

"Whilst we acknowledge the political sensitivity, the engineering and wider industry is pleased to see that Greg Clark has confirmed the decision to proceed with the Hinkley Point C (HPC) Nuclear Power Station, now able to begin the necessary planning to allocate resources, manpower, and to deliver the project. This will also demonstrate to the world that the UK is open for business, as a significant and reliable market for investment going forward into the country’s future outside the EU.

"The UK requires new power generation as a matter of urgency, as demand grows and existing generating capacity is decommissioned. While the approval of HPC is a good step forward, we must not be complacent. ACE continues to urge the government to drive forward plans for the new gas-fired power stations, investment in new solar and wind capacity, and development of the energy storage facilities, all of which are needed in the short-term to ensure demand is met and the UK does not fall behind its global competitors."

ENDS