EDF Pushes Back Hinkley Point C Start‑Up by Another Year

Construction of the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station, the United Kingdom’s largest and most high‑profile new nuclear power plant, has been delayed yet again. French energy giant EDF announced on 20 February 2026 that the first reactor of Hinkley Point C — originally expected to come online in 2025 — will now begin operations in 2030, reflecting a further one‑year postponement from the previously revised 2029 target.
The updated timeline comes as EDF revealed that the complex electromechanical installation work — critical for delivering safe, reliable commissioning — has fallen behind schedule. The company described the new timeline as “more realistic” given the technical challenges and regulatory requirements, and offered a broader window from 2029 to 2031 for startup.
Cost Escalation and Financial Impact
The latest delay has significant financial implications. EDF has raised the estimated cost of the Hinkley Point C project to £35 billion (about $47 billion), well above earlier projections. That figure is expressed in 2015 prices, meaning the true inflation‑adjusted cost is even higher.
BSS
The repeated postponements and cost overruns have already taken a tangible toll on EDF’s finances. The company recorded a €2.5 billion impairment related to the Hinkley Point C project in its 2025 results, contributing to a 26 % drop in net profit compared with the previous year. Lower wholesale electricity prices and a reduced guaranteed power price from the UK government further strained results.
EDF’s chief executive, Bernard Fontana, said that the new timeline and cost estimates reflect the company’s assessment of risks, regulatory scrutiny and ongoing construction complexities. The plant is designed to provide around 7 % of UK electricity demand once fully operational, making its timely completion vital to British energy strategy.
Underlying Causes of Delay
EDF attributed the latest delay largely to slower‑than‑expected electromechanical work — the stage when critical internal systems and components are installed and integrated. Project updates indicate that mechanical, electrical, heating and ventilation (MEH) installations have not kept pace with plans. In its annual report, EDF confirmed that delays in MEH work have been a key factor in pushing back the scheduled start date.
constructionnews.co.uk
Construction issues are not new for Hinkley Point C. Since work began in 2017, the UK’s first new nuclear plant in a generation has been plagued by delays related to complex engineering requirements, supply chain disruptions, and extended regulatory oversight. Previous projections had already moved the plant’s launch from 2025 to 2027, then to 2029–2031 before the latest revision to 2030.
Industry and Government Reactions
The repeated setbacks have reignited debate over the cost‑effectiveness and feasibility of new nuclear projects in the UK and Europe. Critics argue that large‑scale nuclear plants like Hinkley Point C carry inherent risks of delay and cost overrun, and question whether the long lead times justify the investment compared with renewable energy alternatives. Advocates counter that nuclear remains essential for meeting net‑zero emissions targets and ensuring baseload power reliability as fossil fuel plants retire.
The Guardian
The UK government has emphasised its continued support for Hinkley Point C as part of the country’s strategy to secure low‑carbon energy sources. Officials argue that delays — while frustrating — are not uncommon in megaprojects of this scale and underscore the rigorous safety and regulatory standards applied in nuclear construction.
The Guardian
Implications for Future Nuclear Projects
EDF is also overseeing other major nuclear developments, including the Sizewell C nuclear power station project in Suffolk, which is expected to face its own timeline and budget pressures. Lessons learned from Hinkley Point C are intended to inform future builds, but stakeholders acknowledge that replicating such complex engineering work remains challenging.
Analysts say the repeated delays at Hinkley Point C could complicate efforts to expand nuclear capacity in the UK and abroad, particularly if cost escalation and financing challenges persist. With construction extending over more than a decade, some industry observers question whether alternative energy investments might offer faster, more cost‑effective pathways to decarbonisation.
Looking Ahead
With civil construction largely complete on site, gravity remains on the installation and integration of key internal systems. If the 2030 operational date holds, Hinkley Point C will begin to supply carbon‑free power at least five years later than originally envisioned, underscoring the long road to bringing new nuclear capacity online in a timely and cost‑competitive manner.
Financial Times