Sizewell c

[edit] Introduction

The Sizewell nuclear site, situated near the small fishing village of Sizewell in Suffolk, England, comprises of two nuclear power stations, one of which remains currently operational. Sizewell A, which is equipped with two Magnox reactors, is currently undergoing decommissioning. Sizewell B, which features a single pressurised water reactor (PWR), is the most recently constructed nuclear power station in the UK. Sizewell C, which will house two EPR reactors. EPR used to stand for European Pressurised Reactor, as it is a Generation III+ pressurised water reactor (PWR), which was developed by French and German companies as more advanced design than previous generations, with enhanced safety features and increased power output, the name was internationalised as the Evolutionary Power Reactor or EPR. is a planned 3,200 MWe nuclear power station featuring two EPR reactors, located near the village of Sizewell in Suffolk, England.

[edit] Funding announcement

On 10 June 2025 the government announced that the Chancellor was set to confirm funding at the GMB Congressahead of the government’s Spending Review, as the Energy Secretary vowed a ‘golden age’ of nuclear to boost the UK’s energy security. On 11 June 2025 Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer presented her spending review to Parliament, which reaffirmed its commitment to nuclear power with a £30 billion investment. This included £14.2 billion for the Sizewell C project and £2.5 billion for a new small modular reactor programme for full details of the 2025 Spending review visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/spending-review-2025-document.

Whilst the latest investment leaves to UK State for Energy Security and Net Zero owning over 80% of the plant, there continues to be a route to securing private investor funds for the remaining required capital, meaning the Final Investment Decision (FID) is still pending.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said at the time of the initial announcement: "Today we are once again investing in Britian’s renewal, with the biggest nuclear building programme in a generation. This landmark decision is our Plan for Change in action. We are creating thousands of jobs, kickstarting economic growth and putting more money people’s pockets."

Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband also said: "We will not accept the status quo of failing to invest in the future and energy insecurity for our country. We need new nuclear to deliver a golden age of clean energy abundance, because that is the only way to protect family finances, take back control of our energy, and tackle the climate crisis. This is the government’s clean energy mission in action- investing in lower bills and good jobs for energy security."

[edit] Construction started

On 15 January 2024, construction of Sizewell C formally began and as of 30 November 2024, the UK Government, through the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, owns 83.5% of the project, with EDF holding the remaining 16.5%. Projected to take between nine and twelve years to construct, Sizewell C is projected to supply up to 7% of the UK's electricity demand and have a 60-year operational lifespan. The progress of Sizewell C is likely in part to be influenced by the progress of another major nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C, which shares similar design and development features.

In 2022, the UK Government announced a buy-out to facilitate an exit of CGN from the project, the restructuring established a 50/50 ownership between the UK government and EDF, although EDF has stated its stake is expected to fall below 20% following additional private investment.

[edit] Planning granted

On 20 July 2022, the Sizewell C Project application was granted development consent by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Ref https://www.gov.uk/government/news/the-sizewell-c-project-development-consent-decision-announced

The application involves the construction of a new nuclear power station producing reliable, low-carbon electricity to help Britain achieve Net Zero. It is intended that Sizewell C will generate enough low-carbon electricity to supply six million homes.

[edit] Planning submission

The application was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration by NNB Nuclear Generation (SZC) Limited on 27 May 2020 and accepted for Examination on 24 June 2020.

Following an Examination during which the public, Statutory Consultees and Interested Parties were given the opportunity to give evidence to the Examining Authority, recommendations were made to the Secretary of State on 25 February 2022.

The Planning Inspectorate’s Chief Executive, Sarah Richards said:

“The Planning Inspectorate has now examined more than 100 nationally significant infrastructure projects since the Planning Act 2008 process was introduced, ensuring local communities have had the opportunity of being involved in the examination of projects that may affect them.

“This Examination took place during the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated restrictions and the Examining Authority worked hard to ensure that local people, the local authorities – East Suffolk District and Suffolk County Council - and other Interested Parties were able to fully participate.

“The Examining Authority listened and gave full consideration to local views and the evidence gathered during the Examination before making its recommendation.”

The decision, the recommendation made by the Examining Authority to the Secretary of State and the evidence considered by the Examining Authority in reaching its recommendation are publicly available on the project pages of the National Infrastructure Planning website.

The Sizewell C project was originally proposed by a consortium of EDF Energy and China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN), EDF held an 80% stake and CGN 20%.

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