British Energy has announced it will have to take 25% of the UK's nuclear capacity off-line due to cracks and leaks found in cooling systems.
Hunterston B in Scotland, where libcom.org has been covering a strike by electricians, and Hinkley B in Somerset, are both being prepared for complete shutdown so they can be inspected. This may force British Energy to buy electricity on the open market in order to meet its supply commitments.
The UK government was planning to sell a third of its 65% stake in the company this autumn, but may have to delay as £750 million was wiped off the share price as this news was announced.
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