Commenting on EDF’s decision to proceed with the development of the Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant in Somerset and the government's unexpected delay in securing the project's future, Dr Nelson Ogunshakin OBE, chief executive of the Association for Consultancy and Engineering, said:

"We are pleased that EDF has taken the step towards ending the uncertainty around the first of the UK’s new generation of nuclear power plants and wishes to commit to its construction. While final papers were expected to be signed this Friday, the government's unexpected delay to further consider the project before deciding in the autumn will yet again prolong the wait for the UK's energy gap to be addressed.

"Whilst the new Government may wish to send a post Brexit decision message to the global market that Britain is open for international investors, the government must also strive to minimise delays in making such crucial decisions. Meanwhile, the UK continues to faces an unprecedented challenge to ensure energy supplies meet future demand and this will not be surmounted if projects continue to face the kind of uncertainty that has blighted Hinkley, which was due to begin generating electricity next year under the original plans."

ENDS