EDF refutes modular nuclear build reports

Power giant EDF has refuted reports that it is planning to use modular construction to deliver its UK nuclear reactor plants.

EDF plans to build four nuclear reactors in the UK. Reports that it is planning to use modular construction to deliver the plants has raised concerns among unions that much of the construction work could be carried out in France, losing work to UK contractors.

However EDF scotched the rumours this week.

A spokesman said the location of the proposed sites made modular construction unsuitable because it requires large “lay down” areas and wide access roads and large sea ports.

He added: “EDF is proposing to use the same construction method for EPRs in the UK as it is using at Flamanville in a project which is on schedule to be operational in 2012.”