The Department for Energy and Climate Change has today given the go-ahead for a new electric line connection for the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station.

Hinkley will kick start new nuclear in the UK, providing financial and energy security for generations to come as we move towards a low-carbon future.

UK companies will benefit from much of the work, and thousands of jobs will go to people living near to the new site.

Energy and Climate Change Minister Lord Bourne said: “This is a step forward in the Hinkley Point C project, which will play a crucial part in our plan to provide clean, affordable and secure energy for hardworking families and businesses.

“Hinkley represents a major boost for the UK and local economy – powering nearly six million homes and creating more than 25,000 jobs with a significant number for the people of Somerset.”

The project will be the first scheme to use the new T-pylon, which resulted from a competition held in 2011 by the Royal Institute of British Architects, DECC and National Grid to explore the potential for a new generation of pylon design.