EDF’s plans to build a new nuclear reactor in Flamanville, France have been put back three years due to problems with weldings.

EDF said in its first-half earnings statement that “at this stage, commissioning cannot be expected before end of 2022”.

He reiterated EDF will give a cost estimate in coming months, after a detailed examination of three repair scenarios.

An EDF spokesman said: “There is no cost or schedule impact on Hinkley Point C, which remains on target, demonstrating the benefits of learning from other projects.

“We fully understand the issues with the welds at Flamanville and appropriate actions have been taken to ensure we do not have the same issues at Hinkley Point C.”