BOSSES behind a nuclear power station project in Essex have said feasibility studies are underway despite speculation plans may be scrapped.

The Bradwell B nuclear power station is a joint project by CGN and EDF to replace the former Bradwell A nuclear power station, which was decommissioned in 2002.

Bradwell Power Generation Company Limited has said plans are moving on to the next stage, despite questions over the project’s future.

Campaign group Nuclear Free Local Authorities said letters were sent to residents from BPGC indicating the Bradwell B project team is making a withdrawal from the site.

NLFA says restorative work will take place from mid September to make land available once more to enable local farmers to grow crops.

They also said the project team will be “closing the current site compound” and “removing the temporary site offices” “by the end of the year”.

Chair of the NFLA steering committee councillor David Blackburn said: “We do not know for certain if the Bradwell B project is finally dead and buried, but the fact that the project team is beating a retreat from the site is a clear indication that no work will progress for the foreseeable future.

“Clearly Chinese involvement, which includes the bulk of the equity investment and the employment of a reactor specifically designed for this project, is as dead as the dodo.

“It is unlikely that EDF Energy, which is already tens of billions of euros in debt, will want to take on any further financial liability given its existing heavy involvement in both the Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C nuclear power projects.”

In a statement, BPGC said work has now moved to a feasibility study stage, adding their belief that Bradwell B will bring jobs and training opportunities, as well as contributing to the UK’s move away from its dependence on fossil fuels.

It said: “After finishing the early survey work, we are now focusing on feasibility studies for the Bradwell B project.

“We believe Bradwell B will bring huge benefits to the East of England in terms of green jobs, training opportunities and the supply chain.

“The project will also make a vital contribution to meeting the UK’s future need for low carbon, secure and affordable energy.”