Britain’s new nuclear future unveiled

Power giant EDF Energy and nuclear specialist Areva this week revealed their joint-venture plans for Britain’s next generation of nuclear power plants.

The firms launched a website outlining proposals for their European Pressurised Reactor (EPR), allowing members of the public to comment on the design before the Health and Safety Executive and the Environment Agency make a final decision on whether it meets the required safety standards.

The website launch followed the early exit of all major green groups from the government’s consultation on the future of nuclear power, which closes on 10 October.

Groups such as Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth said the consultation was deeply flawed and that the government had already decided to press ahead with the construction of new plants.