Energy minister confirms nuclear policy statement will be published imminently

Energy minister Charles Hendry confirmed today that a national policy statement (NPS) confirming the eight identified sites for new nuclear power stations will be published before the parliamentary recess in July.

The publication before summer is seen as vital for allowing progress on the planned nuclear power station at Hinkley in Somerset, for which the developers EDF intend to submit a planning application in October. Any application will not be able to be considered until after publication of the nuclear NPS.

Hendry said the Energy National Policy Statements will be laid before Parliament by mid-July. He said: “We want to see new nuclear as part of a low carbon energy mix going forward, provided there is no public subsidy. We are close to finalising the NPSs and will publish them very shortly, so that they can be put to MPs for approval before the Parliamentary recess.”

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