EDF has appointed a new project director for the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station project after Chris Bakken left to take up a new role in the US.

Philippe Bordarier, chief nuclear officer at EDF Energy Generation, will take up the position having been at the French company for two years.

Bakken joined Nuclear Generation, then British Energy, in 2005 as a chief nuclear officer, playing an important part in the turn-around of the business.

He joined the New Nuclear Build business division when it was established in 2009 and became Hinkley Point C project director shortly after.

His will take up the position as executive vice president and chief nuclear officer at US-based energy business Entergy from 6 April 2016.

In a statement, EDF said Bakken had “played a major role in the development of the Hinkley Point C project”, ensuring it was ready for a final investment decision and “set up to succeed”.

It added that Bordarier had “brought many valuable skills and experiences with him, and been at the heart of the successful relationship and business delivery between the French and UK nuclear operating fleets”.

EDF chief executive Vincent de Rivaz has recently expressed his confidence that the project will soon be reaching a final investment decision.