CRI听力:Britain gives green light to Hinkley nuclear project

An official statement released by the British government says the Hinkley Point project will be moving forward following an agreement between the UK government and French firm EDF, which is one of the projects' two co-builders, alongside China General Nuclear Power.

In moving the project forward, the UK government says it has worked out agreements with the French side which will allow the UK government veto control over any future move by EDF to sell its stake in the 24-billion US dollar Hinkley Power Plant project before the completion of construction.

EDF Chief Executive Vincent de Rivaz.

"I would like to say very clearly how delighted I am that the government has taken this decision, it is great news for the customers, it is a big boost for the UK industry."

In one of her first acts as the UK's new Prime Minister, Theresa May announced two months ago that her administration was putting the brakes on the joint project, with UK officials citing concerns about China's one-third investment.

While the Chinese government only urged the UK government to fast-track its review process, outside observers suggested the move may have affected relations between China and the UK, which hit new heights under May's predecessor, David Cameron.

Chinese political observer Zhu Wenhui says the move to get Hinkley Point back on-track is something the UK government had to do, both politically and pragmatically.

"As far as the Theresa May administration is concerned, they could not afford to keep on waiting. A number of skillful technicians are going to retire soon, and if they keep shelving the issue, it'll be hard for the new staff to succeed without proper management from the experienced workers. As such, it's high time that they made the decision as soon as possible."

Responding to the news, officials with China General Nuclear are promising to provide safe, reliable and sustainable low-carbon energy for the UK.

The 23.6-billion-U.S. dollar Hinkley Point C plant will be the UK's first nuclear power plant in two decades.

It's going to generate around 7-percent of the country's electricity needs for 60-years after its operational in 2025.

Its construction is also going to generate around 26-thousand jobs in the UK.

For CRI, I'm Xie Cheng.