Top civil servant joins EDF after running department that struck nuclear deal
Alex Chisholm, who led business office during Hinkley Point C negotiations, appointed UK chair of energy firm
February 2024
EDF takes €12.9bn hit after Hinkley Point C delays and cost overruns
‘Odd’ Hinkley Point C salt marsh plan has Somerset locals up in arms
January 2024
Hinkley Point C woes threaten to break UK and France’s nuclear fusion
Cross-Channel dream is turning sour as EDF’s costs mount and Britain faces a long wait for the power to come on
Nils Pratley on finance
Sorry, France, you’re on the hook at Hinkley Point
Nils Pratley
As its own finance director warned: EDF understood exactly what it was signing in 2016
Hinkley Point C could be delayed to 2031 and cost up to £35bn, says EDF
As nuclear plant is hit by further delay, real cost will be far higher after inflation is included, as project uses 2015 prices
July 2023
Nils Pratley on finance
Small nuclear reactors are a big, but sensible, step forward – now get on with it
Nils Pratley
UK government seems to commit to exploring smaller modular designs rather than the monsters at Sizewell and Hinkley
Shapps announces £157m in grants at launch of new UK nuclear body
Great British Nuclear created to deliver government’s commitment to boosting electricity generation, in part through smaller reactors
Observer business agenda
Nuclear option to the fore as Tories prepare to unveil roadmap to net zero
Energy security secretary Grant Shapps will this week outline plans for Britain’s atomic power’s renaissance and 2050 emissions commitment
November 2022
The Observer view on Britain’s urgent need to commit to nuclear power
The government denied wavering over the future of Sizewell C, but it needs to come up with an energy plan – and quickly
July 2022
Could nuclear plant ruin Suffolk haven for avocets, bitterns and harriers?
Sizewell C proposal will power 6m homes but could pose a threat to Minsmere nature reserve, the RSPB’s jewel in the crown
May 2022
Boss of Hinkley Point C blames pandemic disruption for £3bn delay
Hinkley Point B nuclear plant could be spared imminent closure
April 2022
Three-quarters of Britons back expansion of wind power, poll reveals
Britain was promised a bold and visionary energy plan. But we’ve been sold a dud
Jim Watson
March 2022
Observer business agenda
Nuclear power is back in the game, but remains a distant prospect for UK
The industry has been in steady decline but some believe the war in Ukraine makes the case for revival of energy technology
January 2022
A new cold war? Britain’s relationship with China is much more complex than that
Martin Thorley
In a globalised world, the claim that a Chinese agent forged links with UK politicians shouldn’t surprise us, says postdoctoral research fellow Martin Thorley
October 2021
Government pledges £1.7bn of public money to new nuclear plant
Plan for UK nuclear financing model moves upfront cost to energy bills
June 2021
TV review
Building Britain’s Biggest Nuclear Power Station review – so boring it’s a masterpiece!
There’s a scene more dull than watching paint dry ... and yet somehow, this BBC documentary on a new nuclear reactor is a staggering, bravura-filled feat
