Five ways to power the UK that are far better than Hinkley Point

These alternatives to the troubled planned nuclear plant will be faster to build and cheaper for energy consumers, say experts

The planned 18bn nuclear reactors at Hinkley Point in Somerset are derided by critics as "one of the worst deals ever" for Britain, but defended as crucial to the UK's energy policy by the government.

Recent resignations and financial warnings have knocked confidence in the Hinkley C deal, raising the question of whether clean energy alternatives could plug the gap. The fast-changing economics of the energy world, with renewables and other clean technologies falling in cost, indicate they can. The alternatives also look faster to build - it would take a decade to get Hinkley into operation - and cheaper for consumers, who ultimately foot the bills.