THE vital EDF decision on the go-ahead for the £18 billion Hinkley Point C nuclear power station is expected to be made in mid-February - at the time of the release of the French energy giant’s annual results.

There was frenzied speculation this week that the final investment decision was due to be taken on Wednesday at an EDF board meeting.

But it is understood this was postponed because EDF was still in funding discussions with its biggest shareholder – the French government.

The company has to find £12 billion to fund its share of the West Somerset scheme. It now holds a 66.5 per cent stake in the project after selling off 33.5 per cent to a Chinese partner.

A UK Government spokesman confirmed there would be no immediate announcement.