Hinkley Point C represents a ‘good deal for consumers’, according to energy minister Andrea Leadsom.

Speaking at the eighth Nuclear New Build Forum, the minister said the government had ensured consumers wouldn’t incur costs for electricity until the plant is generating meaning that the risks during construction lie with developer EDF.

Leadsom said: “Hinkley will provide an enormous boost to both the local and national economy: 25,000 jobs during construction; 1,000 apprenticeships; 900 permanent staff once up and running; £40m a year to the local economy. These are good numbers. Hinkley will make a d”Some people ask ‘is Hinkley a good deal for consumers?’ I believe it is.”

The plant is expected to be up and running in 2025, providing 3.2 GW carbon electricity, enough to power six million homes and meet 7 per cent of the UK’s needs.

She also emphasised that Hinkley Point C would be the first of series of new nuclear projects, including Sizewell, Bradwell, Moorside, Wylfa and Oldbury.

Together these could provide a third of the UK’s electricity, bring an estimated £80bn of investment into the UK and employ up to 30,000.