Energy security at risk if Hinkley talks collapse, says nuclear group

Energy security in the UK could be at risk if government fails to agree a deal with EDF Energy for Hinkley Point C, according to the chairman of the Nuclear Industry Association.

Lord Hutton told the Sunday Telegraph that collapsed talks could undermine Britain’s credibility with investors and have implications for other energy projects. He questioned whether deals for offshore wind or carbon capture and storage could be struck if the same could not be done for new nuclear. 

“There is no Plan B for our energy security. Failure exposes Britain to many risks, while success will help settle our energy future and send a strong signal to potential investors that Britain means business,” he said. 

Hutton also said failed negotiations would raise questions about EDF Energy’s future in Britain. The company’s existing fleet of nuclear plants are mostly due to cease generating by early next decade. 

The former Labour cabinet minister’s comments come ahead of talks between government and EDF Energy today on where to set the strike price, the guaranteed minimum amount the firm will receive every time it generates a unit of electricity. 

The two sides had planned to meet last week, but David Cameron postponed his meeting with French President, Francois Hollande, following the death of Margaret Thatcher.