Approval of UK nuclear reactor draws closer

The Office for Nuclear Regulation is close to granting approval for the reactor favoured for new nuclear plants at Hinkley Point and Sizewell.

The Office for Nuclear Regulation and Environment Agency identifed 31 issues last year to be resolved on the UK EPR reactor design that has been chosen by EDF Energy and Centrica for its new nuclear reactors in the UK.

A total of 13 issues remain unresolved before generic design assessment approval can be granted for the proposed reactor design for new nuclear plants at Hinkley Point C and Sizewell.

In total, 18 issues have been resolved, including five on Tuesday alone.

EDF Energy and Areva said the update from regulators means that the UK EPR remains on schedule to be approved in time for its final investment decision later this year.
[link to www.nucpros.com]
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