Hinkley Point: New hitch for UK nuclear plant deal

[gratesnakes]

So the decision is to be delayed until the Autumn.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-36903904

Personally, I hope they ditch the whole project. But I am aware that my distrust of it may be irrational. I would be interested to hear from unbiased people who do think it's a good idea. Might make me feel better if it does happen.

[gratesnakes]

Sorry this is not entirely EU related. But it is a bit.

[Peregrina]

In a way it is EU related, because one of the themes for the Leave vote was 'Taking back Control'. How is being in hock to China and France and paying something like twice the price for electricity, taking back control of anything?

If the plan was to build with British money and labour, then yes it would be taking back control, but the issue then would be soleley one of whether this is the correct way to satisfy future energy needs.

[twofingerstoGideon]

I'm glad to see this project on hold from an environmental perspective, but Peregrina makes a good point about 'taking back control'. It's not just fuel either. Large numbers of our water companies are now owned by overseas companies. When you stop and think about the UK's utilities, the idea of 'control' is a very interesting one indeed.

Hinckley was predicted to be a 'casualty of Brexit' a month ago link

This sot of thing highlights what a meaningless phrase 'taking back control' is.

[Peregrina]

It's most odd - state control is a bad thing, unless it's your electricity owned by France and railways owned by Germany.

[gratesnakes]

From a financial point of view I agree that it is a crazy to be in hock to China and France for so long. Maybe both EDF and the UK govt would be quite glad to abandon the whole thing. Fingers crossed. I hope we don't go through with it just for the sake of the entente cordiale.

I have always preferred the Severn tidal barrage idea. But I am not an engineer and my distrust of nuclear maybe misplaced.

Maybe we should have a referendum on our energy strategy?!

[Peregrina]

It would be good if we had a proper debate about our future energy policy. I am too cynical and I don't see that happening.

[Dozer]

I've started a thread in chat, 'cos this is much wider than the referendum.

[missmoon]

This is very interesting (the delay) I wonder if the intention is to use this as a Brexit bargaining chip?

[IrenetheQuaint]

I'm hoping the new government has finally realised what a waste of money the Hinkley deal would be.

[JamieVardysParty]

I'm really intrigued to see what happens as it could mean a long-term contract for DH and a ticket home after many years for me.

The UK is desperate for power. I just don't know the best way round it. Renewables plus gas for base load is an option, but still doesn't tick all the boxes.