Energy secretary Ed Davey has given French energy giant EDF the go-ahead to begin the construction of two new nuclear power stations.

The Stations which will be built and run by EDF in Somerset on the site of an existing plant, represent a key part of the UK’s future energy strategy, providing power to an average of 5 million homes.

The new stations are expected to create between 20,000 and 25,000 construction jobs and 900 full-time jobs on completion of the two stations.

Ed Davey said: “It's vital to get investment in new infrastructure to get the economy moving".

Discussions are still underway regarding government subsidies for energy produced and how station waste will be stored and contained.

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