New Chinese nuclear reactors at Bradwell and Sizewell are yet to receive the greenlight, despite government approval for Hinkley Point
Further nuclear reactors due to be built by China in the UK are yet to receive the green light, despite approval for associated work at Hinkley Point.
The government formally approved the £18bn reactors in Somerset this morning, but maintains that two subsequent projects remain subject to scrutiny.
In supporting French energy giant EDF in building at Hinkley Point, China state-owned nuclear business also agreed a deal for two further reactors at Bradwell and Sizewell.
Read More: Government approves Hinkley Point C but with revised conditions
While EDF is the majority stakeholder of the Hinkley Point project, and a subsequent Sizewell reactor, the final project at Bradwell would be led by the Chinese state-owned energy company CGN.
And Bradwell, in particular, was hoped to be a global shop window for Chinese technology and innovation.
In their statement responding to the Hinkley decision earlier today, CGN immediately sought to move focus onto the subsequent projects, saying: “We are now able to move forward and deliver much needed nuclear capacity at Hinkley Point, Sizewell and Bradwell with our strategic partners, EDF, and provide the UK with safe, reliable and sustainable low-carbon energy."
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However, A spokeswoman for the department of business and energy said that while Bradwell is "a component part" of the Hinkley deal, "it will still need to be approved in terms of planning and security in the same way."
Business and energy minister Greg Clark is due to shed more light on the decision in a statement to the House of Commons shortly.