The executive in charge of EDF’s project to build an £18 billion nuclear power station at Hinkley Point near Burnham-On-Sea has quit the French state-controlled electricity company for a job in the United States.
Christopher Bakken III, the American who has served as project director for EDF’s Hinkley plant since 2011, is leaving to take up a new role as chief nuclear officer for Entergy, an American utility company.
He was responsible for the design, procurement, construction and commissioning of the planned new nuclear plant, according to financial media reports.
Bakken will become executive vice president and chief nuclear officer for Entergy from April 6th, the U.S. firm said.
His departure comes as growing question marks loom over the multi-billion pound project.
EDF’s £18billion project to build two new-generation nuclear reactors at Hinkley Point is due to go ahead with Chinese partner CGN.
The plan was first announced in 2013, but an investment decision has been put off as EDF struggles to find partners and financing.
Technical problems at two similar nuclear plants under construction in France and Finland threaten more delays to EDF’s British plans.
