Hinkley Point nuclear plans consultation

EDF Energy is to hold a series of public events to consult people on its proposals to build a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point in Somerset.

The energy company is seeking public and stakeholder comment in two stages.

This month sees the start of the first stage, consulting on initial proposals and options for the project. EDF Energy will then consult again, around March next year, on the preferred proposals.

Views will be canvassed on proposals for the main power station development at Hinkley Point, along with infrastructure proposals away from the main site necessary to support the construction and operation of the power station. Two new generating units at Hinkley Point C would be capable of supplying enough electricity for around five million homes and, at the peak of construction, provide around 4,000 jobs on-site and more in the supply chain.

Once operational, the new power station would support around 700 permanent direct jobs, as well as many more indirect jobs.

Extensive public consultation on the proposed nomination of land at Hinkley Point took place in 2008 and helped with the design of the next phase of the consultation.

EDF Energy will also be seeking views on ways of ensuring the community makes the most of the social and economic benefits from the development if permission is granted, including, for example, inward investment into Somerset.

Simon Dunford, EDF Energy's head of off-site development for the Hinkley Point C project, said: "We are especially keen to meet as many local people as possible at our events. Local views are very important to us and we have been talking to the local community for many months already.

"This is an opportunity to comment on our initial proposals and options to help inform our plans before the second stage of the formal consultation."