So Theresa May has favourably reviewed the case for Hinkley Point (Report, 15 September). Put out the bunting, Britain will have its first new reactor for 20 years. We can assume therefore that our prime minister has completely satisfied herself that the unproven EPR nuclear technology for Hinkley is viable, deliverable and cost effective. Evidence from Finland (Olkiluoto), France (Flamanville) and China (Taishan, twice) has shown the EPR to be unviable, way overdue for delivery and way over budget. Oh, and EDF is on the verge of financial insolvency. If this is the PM’s attention to detail, happy days.
Nigel Bruen
Martley, Worcestershire
• Damian Carrington (A risky solution from the 20th century, 15 September) states that, according to the government’s own research, energy efficiency could deliver six Hinkleys’ worth of electricity by 2030. Achieving this would require a fundamental alteration to established policy, in favour of greater energy efficiency rather than subsidising endless new supplies of fuel. Even so, you may care to note that since 2010 annual electricity consumption has already fallen by 25 terawatt-hours, coincidentally the amount of electricity we might realistically expect Hinkley C to be producing when/if it is finally built.
Andrew Warren
Chairman, British Energy Efficiency Federation
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Source: Guardian Environment