The Government baffled energy experts with its decision to delay an almost certain yes vote on the nuclear power plant at Hinkley Point C last month.

With plans put on hold until this month at least, we look back at key developments surrounding the controversial energy plant over the past 10 years:

2005
Tony Blair announces review to consider new nuclear power stations.

2006
Energy review finds nuclear could make a “significant contribution” to UK energy needs.

2007
EDF Energy and Areva submit their power plant design.

2008
New nuclear gets formal Government backing with hopes of completion by 2020.

2009
British Gas owner Centrica takes 20% stake in EDF’s UK nuclear fleet.

2010
A colony of badgers is relocated off the land earmarked for Hinkley Point.

2011
An urgent review into nuclear safety is carried out after Japan’s Fukushima disaster.

2012
Initial preparatory works begin at the Somerset site.

2013
Government announces £16m agreement with EDF Energy over subsidies for Hinkley.

2014
European Commission gives state aid approval for Hinkley and says the plant will cost £24.5 billion.

2015
EDF signs a deal with China to provide a third of the cost. First power is now scheduled for 2025.

2016
EDF takes a final investment decision to invest in Hinkley Point, only for Theresa May’s Government to announce a fresh review of the project.