E.ON Identifies Two Locations in Kent for Nuclear Plants

German utility group E.ON has identified two greenfield locations in the Kent County of the UK as potential sites for new nuclear power plants, according to The Times.

E.ON is reportedly mulling the use of its existing oil-fired power station at the Isle of Grain near the town of Sheerness, in Kent, and the coal-fired facility at Kingsnorth, near Ashford, Kent, as sites for the development of the new nuclear power plants.

The Times noted that E.ON prefers to develop new reactors on existing nuclear sites that are owned by either British Energy or the UK government, through the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.

E.ON has stated that such an approach would be ideal as these sites have amenable local communities, which could result in fewer planning delays.

E.ON is reportedly considering both the locations for nomination as potential sites for new nuclear complexes before a government deadline for applications lapses in autumn 2008. The UK Department of Business will appraise the proposed sites and open a public discussion on a draft list in spring 2009, according to The Times.