EDF May Be Willing to Part with Atomic Sites for British Energy

EDF, global market leader in atomic power plants, may be willing to put up its U.K. nuclear zones to boost its chances of acquiring British Energy. This information was released to the media by two unnamed sources who were privy to the deals The U.K. government will make sure that fair market conditions are maintained for manufacturers of reactors. EDF spokesperson refused to comment on the deal in the making as it was confidential. EDF, it is believed, is on the verge of acquiring British Energy alongwith the UK share of 35.7% in the company at a cost of 12 and a half billion pounds. This deal, if it comes through would give EDF the advantage of also acquiring 8 atomic plants in Britain apart from sites for potential nuclear plants to come up. This however does not mean that EDF will have complete control over the plants, according to spokespersons representing Societe Generale, Paris. This means that EDF does not have that valuable a deal, even if its purchase strategy is fulfilled.

Malcolm Wicks, Energy Minister has expressed the U.K.government’s reservations and caution with giving free rein over to a single corporate house over future nuclear power plants. Meanwhile EDF is working on a contingency plan in case its hopes of acquiring British Gas do not get fulfilled. EDF has already purchased property close to Wylfa’s power plant that is controlled by the U.K. government’s Noclear Decommissioning Authority. This land will be used by EDF to set up around 5 nuclear reactor plants across the U.K.