The UK and France today put the green economy and energy security at the heart of their relationship. This came as companies from both nations agreed a raft of commercial deals, and the two governments signed up to new agreements to cooperate on energy issues.
Deals signed today (17 February) in the presence of UK Prime Minister David Cameron and French President Nicolas Sarkozy include:
(1) A groundbreaking £400m deal on nuclear reactors between Rolls Royce and Areva for the first EPR reactor at Hinkley Point, Somerset. This will underpin a new Rolls Royce factory in Rotherham and support 1,200 new jobs across the nuclear supply chain in Britain;
(2) A new engineering contract between EDF and Kier/BAM for the UK’s first proposed new nuclear project at Hinkley Point, Somerset, meaning another £100m for companies operating in the South West and 350 jobs;
(3)A £15m investment in a new world class training campus in Bridgwater, Somerset for EDF employees, new starters and the local community.
Edward Davey, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, said: “We need hundreds billions of pounds of investment in clean energy projects in the UK. This will bring high-skilled job opportunities the length and breadth of the country. Construction workers, engineers, technicians – they will all have a role to play.
“There are plans for new nuclear in Somerset, Suffolk, Cumbria, North Wales and Gloucestershire. Supply chains will spring up too, and extend the reach of economic benefit across the country. This investment could be worth around £60billion and create up to 30,000 jobs.
“The deals signed today reflect our ongoing desire to work closely together with our French allies and the private sector on nuclear and across the energy mix.”
More information: www.decc.gov.uk