Delays in building the UK’s new Hinkley Point C nuclear power station could see alternative sources such as offshore wind filling any shortfall in power supply during the mid-2020s, said UK energy sector commentators.

Following a review by senior management French state-controlled utility EDF confirmed that the cost of the controversial project in south west England has risen by £1.5bn ($1.93bn) to £19.6bn.

EDF also warned the project could be delayed by up to 15 months, which would mean the original 2025 completion date for delivering power to the UK’s national grid would be extended to 2027.