Britain eyes first nuke plant in 25 years

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LONDON, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- British officials say they have granted the first nuclear site license in 25 years to a proposed nuclear energy plant in Somerset.

The Office for Nuclear Regulation awarded the license to NNB Generation Co., saying the firm has developed the required plans, procedures and structures to build a power station.

NNB GenCo, a subsidiary of EDF Energy, will still need a permit from Britain's Environment Agency and final government approval, the BBC reported Monday.

NNB GenCo will also pay the $12.8 million cost of the ONR assessment of its proposal.

"Granting a nuclear site license enhances our regulatory control of the activities associated with designing and constructing nuclear facilities," Britain's chief nuclear inspector, Mike Weightman, said.

The nuclear license includes 36 conditions with which NNB GenCo will have to comply, he said.

"These conditions provide ONR with the necessary regulatory powers to ensure the protection of people and society from the hazards associated with such nuclear power generation," he said.