From Blair to May: A complete timeline of Hinkley Point’s approval

As Prime Minister Theresa May finally gives the green light for Hinkley Point, edie takes a look back at the various twists and turns of the controversial nuclear energy project which has taken more than a decade to gain Government approval.


The Hinkley Point C nuclear power station in Somerset was today (15 September) given the go-ahead by May, ending months of speculation and dividing opinion among Britain’s industry groups and environmentalists.

The project is the first new nuclear reactor to be built in the UK in two decades. Development has already fallen eight years behind schedule and the power plant is not expected to be up and running until 2025 at the earliest.

But who can remember when former Prime Minister Tony Blair gave his backing for new nuclear in 2005? Or the moment in 2007 when EDF Energy’s chief executive Vincent de Rivaz wildly proclaimed that we would be cooking our Christmas dinners using energy from nuclear power by 2017? And what about the flurry of reports criticising the Hinkley Point project over costs and security worries?

In this interactive timeline, edie charts all of the key announcements, unexpected delays and political developments that have led to Hinkley’s approval. Scroll through the timeline and click the links to read full stories.

edie timeline: Hinkley Point’s approval

Now have YOUR say

Luke Nicholls & George Ogleby

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe