Why does the UK need investment in nuclear?
All but one of Britain’s 16 nuclear reactors are to be retired by 2023.
When will this happen?
The station at Hinkley would not enter service until at least 2024. Sizewell would be years later. It is hard to see a reactor at Bradwell before the late 2020s.
Why is China interested in the UK?
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Britain needs new power stations and is seen as a stable and lucrative energy market.
Why does the UK want Chinese involvement?
Building nuclear power plants is very expensive and the Chinese will bring billions of pounds worth of investment. George Osborne also hopes the deal will foster greater ties.
Have the Chinese done this somewhere else?
Only in Pakistan.
Who will be in charge of the new stations?
Under the UK’s nuclear regulatory regime most of the employees involved in building and operating the power station would be British.
Will China be able to shut them down if they want to? Are we exposed?
Britain’s Office for Nuclear Regulation has the power to require a nuclear operator to maintain operations.
Are Chinese nuclear reactors safe?
Any Chinese company operating in the UK would have to meet strict UK regulatory requirements and a far higher level of public engagement than is usual in China.