It was fantastic to see EDF Energy chief executive Simone Rossi flying the flag for the nuclear industry from Hinkley Point C on Sky News.
Simone reinforced the major role that nuclear energy will play in helping the UK reach its goal of “net zero” greenhouse gases by 2050 in a live interview with Sky News business presenter Ian King.
With construction work on Hinkley Point C forming an impressive backdrop to the interview, the viewing public would have got a glimpse into the work under way as the plant takes shape.
But the bigger picture painted by Simone is even more significant – in combination with renewables, nuclear will be an important part of the overall mix, because it provides a constant supply of energy.
It is proven, reliable and it’s always on which is vital for those times when the sun is not shining, and the wind does not blow. And it is key to battling climate change.
Simone summed things up perfectly when he said: “You don’t want to have all your eggs in the same basket.”
We could not agree more. We are going to need new nuclear to hit net zero. It’s not a case of ‘either or’.
They are not mutually exclusive because it’s a complementary source of clean energy alongside solar power and wind power.
It was confirmed by Simone that the first reactor at Hinkley Point C is still on course to be up and running by 2025, despite the challenges created by the coronavirus pandemic.
“That is our target, but we need to be humble,†Simone said. “These are massive projects and this year has been particularly challenging with the coronavirus crisis.
“When lockdown hit, we had to slow down activity, we put the health of our employees and the communities around the site first.
“We had to make the site safe. It is now safe, so we are delivering our milestones and are happy about where we are. But we need to remain prudent about the future.”
Simone also insisted the Somerset infrastructure project would be key to the success of EDF’s proposed Sizewell C project.
Sizewell C would, he said, be cheaper to finance and cheaper to build due to experience, replication and the capable supply chain that had been established at Hinkley Point C.
Sizewell C is set to create another 25,000 jobs in construction, engineering, manufacturing and we are certain the companies across the South West who are currently shaping Hinkley Point C will want to play a key role in the Suffolk project.
Nuclear South West has a key role to play in making sure our local supply chain can benefit from these emerging opportunities. We will keep you updated.
Andy Bates
Partnerships Manager[title text=”Industry Focus” style=”center”]
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Polls says public want UK to lead world on tackling climate change
It was interesting to note that more than two thirds (67 per cent) of the British public want to see the UK lead the world on climate change, according to a YouGov poll commissioned by Global Witness.
Nearly two thirds (65 per cent) of the UK population also want to see the UK Government shifting the subsidies it currently provides to domestic oil and gas companies to instead support the expansion of renewable energy and increasing the energy efficiency of people’s homes, while less than one in 10 (7 per cent) opposed such a shift.
[button text=”Read More” link=”https://www.globalwitness.org/en/press-releases/yougov-poll-finds-majority-british-public-want-uk-lead-world-tackling-climate-change/?utm_campaign=1831957_Nuclear%20South%20West%20Newsletter%20-%20October%202020&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Nuclear%20South%20West&utm_content=rediscover%20nuclear&dm_i=3618,139JP,4BVB9B,46TUW,1″]
Interested in the Kickstart Scheme?
The National Skills Academy for Nuclear are keen to support South West companies interested in taking part in the Department for Work and Pensions’ Kickstart Scheme – a £2 billion fund to create high-quality, six-month placements for young people.
By being involved employers will be able to access a large pool of eager candidates and funding to pay for placements of 25 hours per week for six months and £1,500 towards the cost of training, tools and computer equipment
[button text=”Register interest here” link=”https://dmtrk.net/3618-139JP-4BVB9B-OTD3X-1/c.aspx”]
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For further information about specific support for your business, please visit:
Nuclear Industry Association: https://www.niauk.org/
Hinkley Point Supply Chain Team: https://www.hinkleysupplychain.co.uk/
Government support: www.businesssupport.gov.uk
Covid-19 advice to businesses: www.gov.uk/guidance-to-employers
West of England Growth Hub: www.wearegrowth.co.uk
Heart of South West Growth Hub: www.heartofswgrowthhub.co.uk
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