Dong say Hinkley Point C is not only new energy option

Dong Energy’s Chief Executive, Heinrick Poulsen, has suggested that the UK could do without the Hinkley C new nuclear project.

New wind and biomass or gas fired generation could provide the equivalent capacity, especially given the low prices in the industry and capacity to build in a reasonable timescale. However, it would be up to the government to decide whether Hinkley Point finally went ahead, said Poulsen.

Poulsen added: “Could you build a national energy policy without nuclear? Yes you could. And if you needed to fill a (energy capacity) gap offshore, wind could be accelerated to fill such a gap.” – “We hope offshore wind will remain a key component in the future energy system and are optimistic about prospects under the new government.”

Poulsen said the Brexit vote had not caused him to rethink Dong’s €6bn (£5.1bn) investment programme in the UK, which involves constructing three more windfarms on top of the eight already operating.

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