EDF celebrates highest output for seven years (From Bridgwater Mercury)

EDF celebrates highest output for seven years

5:00pm Friday 18th January 2013 in Bridgwater Area News By Newsdesk

EDF Energy says its eight UK nuclear power stations produced their highest output for seven years in 2012.

The company says the 60 terawatt hours of low carbon electricity produced is enough to power half of the UK’s homes.

The news follows the seven-year life extension of Hinkley Point B.

Gordon Bell, spokesman for EDF Energy, said: “The exceptional performance is a result of the £300 million annual investment in the power stations which is in addition to £350 million spent on plant operations every year.

“Investment in skills and training has also helped maintenance teams plan and carry out work more effectively - cutting the number of unplanned outages.”

Vincent de Rivaz, EDF Energy chief executive, said due to significant progress last year, a final investment decision on the new nuclear power station, Hinkley Point C, is now within reach.

He added: “EDF Energy is building a robust business case for that decision.

“Progress with Government on agreeing a price for the electricity from new nuclear through a Contract for Difference is at the heart of that case and rapid progress on this is now needed to unlock the investment potential of a project which is ready to go.

“It has the potential to create thousands of jobs and have a long-lasting impact on the UK’s skills and industrial capacity.”