UK newspaper The Independent reports that Whitehall officials reviewing the Hinkley Point nuclear power plant project are exploring how the UK might withdraw from the deal while minimising financial risk and damage to international relations.
What The Independent quotes as ‘Westminster sources’ told the newspaper that civil servants are examining the contract documents yet to be signed for any loophole, clause or issue that could allow the government to pull back without huge loss while also saving face.
Meanwhile delays in the construction process will have little effect on contractor Costain, according to its chief executive Andrew Wylie.
The infrastructure business is providing pre-construction consultancy services in a contract worth several million pounds a month, but its CEO says the hold-up in approving the multi-billion pound project would not affect his business.
“When, or if, Hinkley goes ahead it will be a significant opportunity for us,” he said, speaking at the disclosure of the company’s interim results. Costain’s engineers are advising on the Somerset plant’s design, technology, logistics and supply chain. “The UK has an increasingly urgent need for a more balanced power generation industry and it’s hard to contemplate nuclear not being in the mix,” Mr Wyllie said, adding that Costain’s role in the project will prepare it for any further expansion in the sector.
Linkedin
