The decision to go ahead with the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station comes after Theresa May ordered a review of the project shortly after taking office, amid concerns over costs and security implications.
Here are some of the key events of the development so far:
:: July 2006 – The Labour government gives the green light to new nuclear power plants, suggesting the low-carbon energy source would make a “significant contribution” to cutting carbon emissions.
:: September 2008 – British Energy, which owns existing power plants in the UK, is bought by EDF for £12.5 billion. The firm reveals plans to build four new reactors in the UK.
:: October 2008 – A public consultation with residents neighbouring the Hinkley site begins.
:: October 2011 – An application to build the new power station at Hinkley is received by the planning inspectorate.
:: February 2012 – Initial preparation work begins at the Somerset site.
:: November 2012 – The first new site licence for a UK nuclear power station in 25 years is granted.
:: March 2013 – The Environment Agency grants the three main environmental permits required for operating the planned nuclear power station.
:: March 2013 – Coalition energy secretary Ed Davey approves the new plant.
:: October 2013 – The Government agrees £92.50 per megawatt-hour will be paid for electricity produced at the Somerset site – around double the market rate at the time.
:: May 2014 – The second phase of construction work begins at the site.
:: February 2015 – The March deadline on a final investment decision is abandoned by EDF.
:: September 2015 – Chancellor George Osborne approves an initial Government guarantee worth £2 billion for the proposed plant and EDF group chief executive Jean-Bernard Levy announces that the 2023 first power date will not be met.
:: October 2015 – EDF signs an investment agreement with the China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN) to build the new plant.
:: January 2016 – EDF delays its final investment decision again – it is understood the company is looking for new investment partners and has struggled to raise the cash for its 66.5% stake in the project.
:: May 2016 – A consultation is launched with French unions about the project. Later in the month, EDF chief executive Vincent de Rivaz appears in front of MPs, insisting the scheme will go ahead.
:: June 2016 – After a vote to leave the European Union throws fresh doubt on the project, Energy and Climate Change Secretary Amber Rudd says the final investment decision is expected soon, claiming “we are full tilt on Hinkley Point”.
:: July 2016 – EDF announces its board will meet to consider final investment decision on July 28.
The Government announces a delay on the decision until the autumn after EDF gives the scheme the go-ahead.
:: September 2016 – During a visit to the G20 summit in China, Prime Minister Theresa May defends the delay, insisting it is down to “the way I operate“ because she wants a fresh look at the evidence.
