Ready when you are: EDF boss understands why government needs a “little time” to consider Hinkley Point
The head of French energy group EDF has said he understands why the UK government needs a “little time” to consider the Hinkley Point project.
But Vincent de Rivaz said in an open letter to staff, sending a message of “continuity and confidence”, that EDF is ready when the UK government is.
Earlier this week, in a surprise move after EDF’s board approved funding for Hinkley Point C, the UK business and energy secretary Greg Clark said the government would review the details of Hinkley Point and make a decision in the autumn.
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He said: “The UK needs a reliable and secure energy supply and the government believes that nuclear energy is an important part of the mix. The government will now consider carefully all the component parts of this project and make its decision in the early autumn.”
The government was expected to sign contracts with EDF almost immediately.
De Rivaz, who met with Clark on Friday, said in his letter, reported by the BBC: “The new prime minister has been in post for just 16 days. Her full cabinet has been in post even fewer.
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“We can understand their need to take a little time. We fully respect the prime minister's method.”
He added: “The very good news is that we are ready.
“The board's decision means that when the government is ready to go ahead, we are ready too.”