Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what estimate she has made of the (a) number of new nuclear plants planned by 2028, (b) projected capacity of each such plant, (c) the projected timetable for commissioning each such plant and the projected date by which each new plant will be producing power and (d) projected level of the price set in the Contracts for Difference for each of those plants that together will provide up to 35 per cent of UK power needs from nuclear power stations by 2028.

It is the Government’s aim to receive proposals to develop new nuclear power stations on all eight sites listed in the Nuclear National Policy Statement published in 2011. So far we have received formal proposals for new nuclear power stations for five sites – Hinkley (3.3 GW), Wylfa (2.7 GW), Moorside (3.3 GW), Sizewell (3.3 GW) and Oldbury (2.7 GW). We expect all these new nuclear power stations to come into operation during the 2020s and early 2030s. Under the Contract for Difference for Hinkley the Strike Price will be £89.50/MWh (in 2012 prices), or £92.50 if a final investment decision is not taken on Sizewell. It is too soon to say what the Strike Price might be for future projects.