Path to power: timeline of new British nuclear plant

Following is a timeline of 10 key dates after the British government’s decision Thursday to approve a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point involving China after a review over security concerns:

January 2008

The British government approves a new generation of nuclear power stations, expected to be privately built, with most of the 19 reactors at Britain’s 10 existing nuclear plants expected to close by 2023.

October 2010

Hinkley Point in Somerset, southwest England, is named among eight potential sites for building new nuclear power stations.

November 2012

Britain awards its first new nuclear power plant site licence for 25 years to French energy giant EDF, which eyes building a station at Hinkley.

March 2013

The British government grants planning consent for EDF to build a new nuclear power plant at the site, capable of producing seven percent of Britain’s electricity.

October 2013

The British government agrees that it will pay £92.50 ($122.40, 108.80 euros) per megawatt-hour for electricity produced at the site — around double the market rate at the time.

September 2015

Having pushed back its decision on whether to invest in Hinkley, EDF says the 2023 completion date would not be met. The British government approves a £2 billion guarantee for the project.

October 2015

The state-owned China General Nuclear Power Group signs a deal with EDF to take a one-third stake in the new power station following a state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

July 2016

EDF makes its final investment decision on building the nuclear power plant, priced at £18 billion.

On the same day, new British Prime Minister Theresa May announces a delay on the decision to go ahead, ordering a review.

September 2016

Britain gives final approval to the project, but with new conditions to address security concerns.

2025

Projected year when the new Hinkley nuclear power station would become operational — currently two years later than originally planned.