EDF Energy's Finance Director Thomas Piquemal has stepped down ahead of a final investment decision on the Hinkley Point C nuclear power project, it has been announced.

It is reported Mr Piquemal quit the post due to fears the £18 billion project could put the french company's financial position at risk.

As Britain' first new nuclear power plant, Hinkley Point C in Somerset would create 25,000 jobs during its construction phase.

However, the project has been plagued with delays and China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN) have previously agreed a deal to pay a third of the projects £18bn cost in exchange for a 33.5% stake.

-- Advertisement --

Jean-Bernard Levy, EDF Group Chairman, said: "Thomas Piquemal told me of his resignation last week, which was made public last night. I regret the haste of his departure, and I immediately appointed Xavier Girre to the position of CFO on a provisional basis.

"With the support of its shareholder, the state, EDF can confirm that it is looking to invest in two reactors at Hinkley Point under the best possible financial conditions for the Group, with the objective of making a final investment decision in the near future."

Mr Levy added: "EDF relies on very strong operational results, the internal transformation and the savings plans launched in 2015, and on investments in support of the energy transition and the renewal of the nuclear industry."

(LM)