黑洞社区

EDF鈥檚 troubled 拢18bn nuclear power plant in Somerset has been dealt another blow after its project director quit for a new role in the United States.

Christopher Bakken has left his role as project director on Hinkley Point C, where he was responsible for the project鈥檚 design, licensing, procurement, construction and commissioning.

The 30-year nuclear industry veteran will leave EDF after four years at the French company to become executive vice president and chief nuclear officer for US-based Entergy Corporation, effective from April 6.

In a statement, EDF said: 鈥淐hris Bakken has decided to return to the USA, his home country, to pursue new professional opportunities while allowing him to spend more time with his family.鈥�

The departure comes after reports suggested EDF鈥檚 board is deeply split over making a final investment decision on Hinkley Point C.

The Sunday Times also reported that the British government could withdraw its financial support for Hinkley if a similar scheme being built by EDF in Flamanville, France, doesn鈥檛 become operational by 2020.

Despite all this, sources close to the project told 黑洞社区 EDF has instructed suppliers on the Somerset power plant to restart 鈥渦nconstrained spending鈥� on the scheme, even though a final investment decision has yet to be made.