Paris (AFP)
EDF warned Wednesday that its construction site for two EPR nuclear reactors at Hinkley Point C in England is expected to cost more than expected while the risk of slippage in the calendar has "increased".
The costs "are now estimated at between 21.5 and 22.5 billion pounds sterling", an increase of between 1.9 and 2.9 billion pounds sterling (2.15 billion to 3.3 billion euros today). ) compared to previous assessments, said the French electrician in a statement.
EDF had already mentioned a "risk of postponement of delivery" of 15 and 9 months respectively for the two reactors. This risk "has increased," says the group, which has the objective of starting the production of electricity on the reactor No. 1 in late 2025.
"The additional costs are mainly due to difficult ground conditions, making the earthworks more costly than expected, the revision of the objectives of the operational action plans, and additional costs related to the implementation of the functional design of a site. head of series adapted to the British regulatory context ", details the company.
EDF is also building an EPR reactor in Flamanville (Manche) in France, which has experienced many delays and additional costs. On the other hand, the group launched two EPRs with its Chinese partners in Taishan, China.
© 2019 AFP