EDF has announced that expected startup of Hinkley Point has been delayed by a further year, with “the risk of further delay of the two units assessed at 15 months, assuming the absence of a new pandemic wave and no additional effects of the war in Ukraine.” The project cost has increased by The project completion costs are now estimated in the range of £25Bn to £26Bn (in 2015 proces). It says that increase will not have an impact for UK consumers under the terms of the Contract for Difference.
First power at Unit 1 is now targeted for June 2027. Unit 1 was originally scheduled to start up at the end of 2025 but that was rescheduled to June 2026 in January 2021.
EDF said continued working at the site during the pandemic “protected the integrity of the supply chain and allowed the completion of major milestones”. But people, resources and supply chain have been “severely constrained and their efficiency has been restricted”. It said the materials and engineering requirements had increased and so had the cost of such activities, higher costs for marine works.
The review took into account the main aspects of the project. The schedule and cost of electromechanical works and of final testing have not been reviewed.