Nov 2005
UK energy policy review launched by Tony Blair
May 2006
Blair declares that failing to take action on the UK’s nuclear plants would be a “dereliction of duty”
July 2006
Energy review states that nuclear power can make a “significant contribution” to UK’s energy needs. Industry secretary Alistair Darling says the private sector will have to “initiate, fund, construct and operate” the nuclear plants
Feb 2007
EDF’s chief executive of its UK Division says: “EDF will turn on its first nuclear power plant in Britain before Christmas 2017 because it will be the right time.”
Aug 2007
Reactor safety checks begin on EPR (European pressurised reactor) power plant design
Jan 2008
The government says the first new plant will be completed “well before 2020”
Mar 2008
Deal to build new nuclear power stations announced by UK and France
Sep 2008
EDF buys British Energy for £12.5bn
May 2009
Centrica to join EDF to build new UK nuclear power stations
Oct 2010
UK government names Hinkley Point one of eight candidates
Nov 2010
EDF relocates a colony of badgers off the Hinkley Point site
Apr 2011
Fukushima disaster delays health and safety assessment of proposed reactor designs
Oct 2011
55,000 page planning application for Hinkley Point C submitted by EDF
Dec 2011
The first new reactor not operational until 2019, says government
Nov 2012
EDF awarded nuclear site licence
Feb 2013
Centrica withdraws from joint venture deal with EDF
Oct 2013
Government announces subsidy deal for Hinkley Point, which will now not produce power until 2023 according to EDF
Dec 2013
EU launches investigation into the subsidies
May 2014
European Commission approves state aid for Hinkley Point and costs the plant at £24.5bn
Sep 2015
£2bn loan guarantee confirmed by George Osborne.
Oct 2015
EDF signs a deal with China General Nuclear Power Corporation, which will provide one third of the cost, now estimated at £18bn
March 2016
EDF finance chief quits and chief executive promises long-delayed final investment decision will be made soon
April 2016
The French government announces it will subscribe to €3bn in new shares
July 2016
EDF promises decision on final investment at board meeting on 28 July
28 July 2016
