French state-controlled utility EDF Energy, Paris, signed a “strategic investment agreement” on Oct. 21 transferring 33.5% of its 100% ownership of the U.K.’s planned Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant to Beijing-based China General Nuclear Corp. China is now expected also to have a stake in subsequent U.K. nuclear plants.
Hinkley Point C “will continue to meet our robust safety regulations,” says Energy Secretary Amber Rudd. The 3,300-MW pressurized water plant and its successors “will guarantee the U.K. the reliable, secure low carbon electricity it needs in the future,” claims EDF Energy CEO Vincent de Rivaz.