BRITAIN’S first new nuclear power plant in decades could be delayed, amid reports an EDF board meeting to decide whether to invest in Hinkley Point Power Station has been postponed.

The French energy firm’s board was expected to meet today to finalise the decision.

But French paper Les Echos and environmental group Greenpeace said the decision had now been delayed, reportedly due to funding difficulties.

EDF declined to comment on the reports.

In October, EDF agreed a deal with China General Nuclear Power Corporation to pay a third of the cost of the £18bn project in exchange for a 33.5 per cent stake.

Hinkley is due to start generating in 2025, and to provide seven per cent of the UK’s electricity once it is operational.

But the project was originally due to open in 2017, and it has come under fire for both its cost and delays to the timetable for building.

The Government has also been criticised for guaranteeing a price of £92.50 per megawatt hour – more than twice the current cost – for the electricity Hinkley produces.

John Sauven, of Greenpeace, said: “The EDF board is rattled as they delay yet again this investment decision. It could signal curtains for Hinkley."

“EDF managers as well as employee representatives on the board are deeply concerned this project is too risky and too expensive.”

Meanwhile, the chief executive of Legal & General has described the project as “a £25bn waste of money”.

Nigel Wilson told BBC 5 live: “The world is moving towards clean green and cheap energy.”

“Solar, wind will play a much more important role. Hinkley is probably the most expensive energy we can think of right across Europe. That’s really bad for society.”