EDF rules out delaying shutdown of Hinkley Point B nuclear power station

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “As confirmed in November 2020, Hinkley Point B nuclear power station will stop generating and move into the defueling phase by August 1 2022,” they said. “It has reliably produced zero carbon electricity for over 46 years, more than 15 years longer than envisaged when built, and will complete its generating phase as the most productive nuclear site the UK has ever had.” Speaking to Times Radio, Mr Philp was asked about reports ministers had been warned of potential power cuts to as many as six million households this winter, with the Government drawing up plans for rationed electricity if supply issues deteriorate. “He asked, I think, the three remaining coal-fired power station operators to just keep their power stations available beyond the point of which they were due to be switched off, and I think he is considering whether Hinkley B, the large nuclear power station, might continue beyond its planned end of life as well. “So, I think these are just sensible precautionary measures, just to guard against a potential worst-case scenario.” When asked about the risks and if the Government had any concerns about Hinkley Point B, given “it is nearly 50 years old”, Mr Philp said: “Well, obviously when it comes to nuclear power generation, or indeed any power generation, safety is paramount.