SENIOR officials at EDF Energy insist the firm still intends to build a new power station at Hinkley Point despite two other operators pulling out of UK schemes.

Last week, E.ON and RWE npower announced they were pulling the plug on plans at Wylfa B on Anglesey in Wales.

EDF has applied to build a new nuclear plant, called Hinkley Point C, and a process of scrutinising its application is under way.

Following the news about the E.ON and RWE pullout, EDF chief executive Vincent de Rivaz moved quickly to reinforce the company’s commitment to building a new nuclear power plant in Somerset.

He said: “EDF remains focused on our project and nothing has changed with regard to that. We are determined to make UK new nuclear a success.

“The UK needs investment in a mix of energy sources including nuclear, gas and renewables. EDF is investing in all three.

“We are making progress on all fronts towards taking the Final Investment Decision at the end of this year on the UK’s new nuclear plant at Hinkley Point.

“We cannot comment on the factors behind the decisions of E.ON and RWE, which they say relate to the specific financial positions of their companies.

“E.ON and RWE have said they believe nuclear power has an important role to play in the UK’s future energy mix.”