Hinkley Point C developer EDF is reportedly seeking a further £4 billion to fund construction of the nuclear power plant as British Gas owner Centrica PLC (LSE:CNA) mulls an investment.
French state-owned EDF is looking to raise the funds by selling stakes in the nuclear plant and in turn shares of the profit it makes from generating power, Bloomberg reported.
Talks are ongoing with sovereign wealth and infrastructure funds, according to Bloomberg-cited sources.
Centrica is also said to be considering an investment, with reports earlier this week suggesting this could involve a £1 billion injection into the plant.
This would see Centrica add to its current 20% stake in the UK’s combined nuclear power portfolio, which is operated by EDF.
Bloomberg reported EDF was eyeing further funds as costs of building the site’s two reactors were set to reach £47.9 billion in current terms.
Hinkley Point C has repeatedly faced delays and growing costs, with the first reactor expected to come online five years late in 2030.
Additional investment would also come after EDF’s partner on the project, China General Nuclear Power Corp, stopped providing funding late last year, having met contractual obligations.