Written question asked by Caroline Lucas (Green Party) on Monday, 13 July 2020, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 July 2020. It was answered by Nadhim Zahawi (Conservative) on Tuesday, 21 July 2020 on behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Hinkley Point C Power Station

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the recently released report on European Pressurised Reactors (EPRs) by the French Court of Audit (Cours des Comptes); what assessment he has made of the implications for the financial underwriting provided by the Government to EDF for the Hinkley C EPR project of the Court of Audit finding that the project represents a high financial risk; and what discussions he has held with EDF officials on the future costing of the Hinkley C project.

Answer: The Government is aware of the report on European Pressurised Reactors, which was published on the Cour des Comptes webpage on 9 July 2020. EDF, as the lead investor in Hinkley Point C, is responsible for the project’s funding and construction schedule. Any additional costs incurred are the responsibility of EDF and its fellow shareholders in the project, and will not fall on taxpayers or consumers.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 72868
Session: 2019-21
Subjects: Finance EDF Energy Pressurised water reactors Hinkley Point C power station
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk