Institution responds to EDF announcement on Hinkley Point C

Dr Jenifer Baxter said the UK is facing significant challenges in electricity supply

Dr Jenifer Baxter, Head of Energy and the Environment at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said in response to EDF’s announcement on Hinkley Point C:

“The UK is facing significant challenges in electricity supply. With new technologies coming online, UK population growth and likely increases in the use of electricity in transport and heating to help meet carbon reduction targets, it looks almost certain that the electricity demand profile be ever more challenging over the next 10 years.

“Today’s news that the Hinkley Point C project will cost more and maybe take longer means that it’s possible that some existing power stations will require further life extensions. It is not an option to “turn the lights off” and that means that any gaps will need to be covered by gas and other technologies to secure supply and meet changing demands.”