EVER since nuclear power was invented, the process has been equally controversial and expensive.

To say it divides opinion is an understatement, with representatives from both sides being equally vocal about the positives and negatives.

Nuclear energy is one of the main supplies of the country's electricity and as well as creating thousands of jobs and ploughing millions of pounds into the economy, it will also provide seven per cent of the country's total supply over its lifetime.

That level has fallen in recent years. In the mid-1990s, it was providing a quarter of the nation’s electricity.

Safety concerns have always been key in gaining Government and public confidence – and occasional set-backs and disasters haven’t helped.

Britain has been at the forefront of the technology, and today's decision at Hinkley means it will be for years to come.

But, how did we get here? Here is our timeline of events that have led us to today's historic decision.

1947 Beginnings: Work begins on nuclear facilities to assist the British nuclear bomb programme following the war using a former ROF site at Windscale. Soon afterwards work begins on a civilian nuclear power station starts on the same site.

1956 Up and running: Calder Hall nuclear power station opens at Windscale later called Sellafield.

1957 Somerset starts: Using a traction engine to convey materials through the lanes near Cannington work starts on Hinkley A.

Somerset County Gazette: More apprentices are needed for a rise in construction business including a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point, said a report

1965 Switch on: Hinkley A comes into service and continues until 2000 and is initially owned by the Central Electricity Board.

1967 New station: The diggers move in to start on Hinkley B.

1976 Number 2: Power starts to flow from Hinkley B which is currently due to keep working until 2023.

1997 Power: Nuclear is producing around a quarter of Britain’s energy but falls out of favour following a series of disasters such as Chernobyl in 1986 and the 1993 Severesk incident in Russia and the rise of renewables.

2005 Energy review: Tony Blair’s New Labour Government takes a fresh look at nuclear power.

Somerset County Gazette: Tony Blair giving evidence to the Iraq Inquiry

2006 Good to go: The Labour Government backs a new nuclear power station production programme but looks to the private sector for funding.

2007 French connection: France’s nuclear energy giant EDF throws its hat into the ring and plans to build Hinkley C by 2017 using the EPR design.

2008 Green light: EDF buys Britain’s existing nuclear power plants, for £12.5bn and says they’ll build four power stations with two at Hinkley.

2008 Talks: Hinkley Point consultation begins with local residents.

2009 It’s a gas: British Gas owner Centrica invests in EDF with 20% stake.

2010 Badgers: EDF relocates a colony of badgers off the land earmarked for Hinkley Point.

Somerset County Gazette: Discover badgers at Ham Hill

2011 First problem: EDF puts start date back to 2018 amid concerns over Government subsidies.

2011 Fukushima: safety fears prompt major review of Hinkley after Japanese nuclear disaster.

Somerset County Gazette: The damaged Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear facility in Japan (AP Photo/DigitalGlobe)

2011 Planning: EDF says Final Investment Decision (FID) will happen in 2012 and puts in planning application. Opening date put back to 2019.

2012 Clocking on: work begins on Hinkley C Initial preparatory works begin at the Somerset site.

2012 Strike price: Government guarantees price for electricity to EDF.

2012 Problem: FID fails to happen as EDF looks for new investors.

2013 Going: Centrica pulls out of the project.

2013 Good news: planning permission is granted.

2013 Money: Project now expected to cost £16bn. The Government agrees EDF should receive a guaranteed a price of £92.50 – twice the current market price of electricity - for 35 years.

Somerset County Gazette: Prime Minister David Cameron speaks with Vincent de Rivaz EDF chief executive during a visit the site of the future Hinkley C nuclear power station

2013 No FID: more delays with Hinkley C expected to start producing power in 2023.

2014 Preparations: work on roads, infrastructure and ground work underway.

2014 Help: state aid given an OK by the EU as estimates put plant cost at £24.5bn.

2015 Delays: no FID despite assurances from the Government who confirm £2bn loan.

2015 Communists: Chinese Government steps in with 33% investment. First power is now scheduled for 2025.

Somerset County Gazette: China's president Xi Jinping and Prime Minister David Cameron attend a joint press conference in 10 Downing Street

2016 Silence: no FID despite assurances from EDF in January and February.

2016 Exit: EDF's chief financial officer Thomas Piquemal quits.

July 2016 FID finally given: EDF's board votes to give the green light for the FID by 10-7

July 2016 Shock delays: Newly appointed PM Theresa May, who was appointed following David Cameron's resignations, delays the government's final decision to reassess the deal, amid fears of the Chinese involvement in the project

Somerset County Gazette: Home Secretary Theresa May

August 2016 Going to court: Five board members of EDF launch legal proceedings against the French energy giant over the decision to press ahead with the plant

September 2016 Green light: Theresa May finally gives the green light to the project, splitting opinion throughout the country

Somerset County Gazette: A computer generated image of the Hinkley C power station