UK clears £38 bn Sizewell C nuclear plant
UK Grants Final Approval for Sizewell C Nuclear Project
Key Details:
- Location: Eastern England, adjacent to EDF’s Sizewell B
- Construction Cost: £38 billion (≈ $51 billion)
- Expected Commissioning: 2030s
- Project Capacity: Powering six million homes and creating 10,000 jobs
Investor Overview
- UK Government: 44.9 % stake (largest shareholder)
- La Caisse (Canadian pension fund): 20 % share
- Centrica (British Gas owner): 15 % stake
- Amber Infrastructure (investment manager): 7.6 % initial holding
- EDF (French energy giant): 12.5 % stake (down from 16.2 % in 2024)
Energy Security Context
The government’s decision comes amid renewed focus on nuclear power following the war in Ukraine. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged a 81 % reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, aiming for net‑zero by 2050.
Public and Community Response
- Local residents in Leiston, Suffolk, have expressed concerns about the plant’s impact on the town.
- Environmental groups caution about safety risks and nuclear waste disposal.
Comparison with Other National Projects
Sizewell C is expected to be approximately 20 % cheaper in construction costs than the Hinkley Point C plant, which has faced significant delays and rising costs. Sizewell A is currently undergoing decommissioning.
