KWASI Kawrteng, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, has today (Thursday, January 13) checked how work on Hinkley Point C is progressing.

Mr Kwarteng toured Europe’s largest construction site with the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Helen Whately, EDF chief executive Jean-Bernard Levy and Ministers.

They were shown around the site of the UK’s first new nuclear power station in a generation.

The visit follows government commitments to new nuclear set out in the Energy White Paper and passage through the House of Commons of the Nuclear Financing Bill, which will help lower the costs of building new nuclear such as Sizewell C.

The Government has committed to putting nuclear at the heart of the UK’s future energy mix, along with wind and solar.

Hinkley Point C will be crucial in helping the country hit net zero carbon emissions by 2050 by moving away from high-polluting fossil fuels.

Apprentices met the Ministers and shared their experiences of industry experience at Hinkley Point C. More than 850 have been trained and the project is expected to reach its goal of creating 1,000 apprenticeships later this year.

Mr Kwarteng said: “The UK Government recognises large-scale nuclear is the only technology available to provide continuous, low carbon electricity at scale.

"In order to strengthen Britain’s energy security and reduce our exposure to volatile global gas prices, we're firmly committed to deploying new nuclear, as seen through the construction of Hinkley Point C.

“To build on Hinkley Point C’s success, we’re backing the next generation of projects through our landmark Nuclear Bill.

"With a new funding model on the statute books, we will be able to attract British funds and other institutional investors to lower the cost of financing new nuclear power and, importantly, help to lower electricity bills for consumers and businesses.

“It has been remarkable to see how construction work is progressing and to meet with some of the workers driving forward one of Britain’s biggest infrastructure projects."

Hinkley Point C managing director Stuart Crooks said: “Hinkley Point C will be crucial in the fight against climate change, protecting the UK’s energy security and insulating British homes and businesses from volatile global gas prices. We are also changing lives for the better, training apprentices, creating jobs, and pumping billions into the economy."