It won’t have escaped anyone’s notice that there was some pretty big news in Somerset last week.

For much of the day most of the national media’s attention was focussed on our County thanks to the signing of an investment between EDF Energy and its Chinese partner China General Nuclear

This isn’t a final investment decision, but it is a significant step forward and unquestionably hugely exciting news for the county and country.

This commitment from both parties to move this £18bn once in a generation opportunity forward has given us all a much needed boost. Our hard work towards ensuring this development provides maximum benefits for the County can now begin to be truly felt.

Now that the initial excitement has subsided, I wanted to reflect on what these benefits are really set to look like; there really are so many opportunities to be seized now and in the future.

Major investment in our infrastructure is already well underway with more to come. The new roundabout at Washford Cross, the Cannnington Bypass and the improvements at Taunton Road/Broadway, are just three of EDF Energy’s multi-million pound schemes that will increase capacity on our roads and minimise the impact from HPC construction traffic.

Local roads will continue to be improved through funds provided to Somerset County Council by EDF Energy as part of the planning agreement. These funds also give us the opportunity to create first class cycling and walking routes in and around Bridgwater to give some real alternatives to the car.

Then there are the jobs. All the news coverage of massive job losses in heavy industry in other parts of the country only goes to underline the value of a vibrant sustainable economy and excellent employment opportunities which we believe this development will provide.

Hinkley Point C is expected to provide at least 25,000 jobs during construction, 900 jobs throughout its planned 60 year operating life with at least 5,000 people from Somerset expected to work directly on the project. Somerset County Council and the Somerset Chamber of Commerce are committed to ensuring that the businesses and residents of Somerset fully benefit from the employment opportunities the project will bring. During its planned 60 year operating life, Hinkley Point C is expected to bring around £40 million into the local economy every single year.

Inevitably, the construction of a new nuclear power station will impact local communities, businesses and the environment. This will be offset wherever possible by utilising the funding provided by EDF Energy. A project of this scale will without doubt cause some disruption and it will be important to keep focused on the bigger, picture particularly the advantages the project will bring to the county both now, and in future generations.

So, what happens now? Somerset County Council now awaits the Final Investment Decision from EDF Energy.

Officers will work closely with EDF Energy over the coming weeks and months to establish a smooth and rapid commencement to their construction programme.

Our aspirations here in Somerset are clear:

• We would like the development of Hinkley Point C to provide a catalyst for sustainable economic growth in Somerset and the wider South West region, which in turn can go on to support the national nuclear renaissance.

• We want to maximise the economic advantages of Hinkley Point C to Somerset and for it to leave a sustainable legacy from its construction which will benefit our County for generations to come.

David Hall, Cabinet Member for Business, Inward Investment and Policy, at Somerset County Council