THE energy company behind a new power station at Bradwell has written to residents to update them.

In October, EDF Energy announced it had signed a deal with China General Nuclear Power Corporation for “Bradwell B”, to be built on a greenfield site next to the former station.

The Chinese company has agreed to provide two thirds of the development costs and hopes to begin construction by 2023. Up to 25,000 jobs will be created during construction, although it is unclear how many vacancies will be filled by local residents.

A joint letter from Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson, managing director of nuclear new build at EDF Energy and Zhu Minhong, general director of UK nuclear project at China General Nuclear Power Corporation, has been sent to people around Bradwell.

In the letter it says proposals are at a preplanning stage and it is likely to take several years before detailed plans are brought forward.

It said: “Consultation with the local community will be key to progressing any proposals. Due to the early stage of the Bradwell proposal, there is currently no defined timeline.

“Once more detailed Bradwell proposals have been developed, we will begin initial consultation. In the meantime we will keep you informed as we progress.”

A spokesman for EDF said: “Although our plans for Bradwell B are at a very early stage, we have written to residents in the area to provide contact details for any questions they may have.

“We are at the very start of a lengthy process but community consultation will be central to progressing any proposals.”