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The story of Hinkley Point C is steeped in historical context. Following the devastation of Hiroshima in the mid-1950s, a nuclear arms race began among three nations: the Soviet Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom. While the Soviet Union first generated electricity with atomic energy in 1954 and the US unveiled a fully operational nuclear power plant shortly thereafter, the UK also made significant strides early on.
Commercial use of atomic energy began in the UK at the Calder Hall power station, although it primarily served military purposes initially. Nuclear energy has continued to be vital for the UK into the 21st century, with nine reactors currently operating, generating approximately 13% of the country’s electricity.