British Energy Sale No Guarantee Of New Build, Says Report
Written by NucNet
Friday, 22 January 2010
The British government received a good price when selling its interest in British Energy to EDF, but it is too early to say whether the sale will lead to the construction of new nuclear power plants “from the earliest possible date and with no public subsidy”, according to a report released today by the National Audit Office (NAO).
The government watchdog’s report points out that there was no condition on the sale that would ensure the new owners will build the next generation of nuclear plants. Also, if EDF cannot pay for all the clean up costs, the government is still liable.
Amyas Morse, head of the NAO, said the sale of British Energy was designed to put the responsibility for a new generation of nuclear plants in private hands.
But he said there was no guarantee that government will not have to step in at some point to help pay for the construction and decommissioning costs.
