EDF Energy cuts workforce at UK's Hinkley Point C nuclear power project

LONDON, March 24 (Reuters) - EDF Energy said on Tuesday it was reducing workers at its Hinkley Point C nuclear plant project in Britain by more than half in the coming days due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The number of workers at the site would be reduced to about 2,000, the firm said, adding that the remaining skilled workers would focus on critical areas and would work in shifts with extra transport and staggered breaks to minimise contact.

The 3.2 gigawatt plant, which EDF is building with China General Nuclear Power Corp, was expected to begin generation at the end of 2025. No change to that timeline has been disclosed.

(Reporting by Nina Chestney; Editing by Edmund Blair)