UK government increases available funds for Sizewell C nuclear energy project

The UK Government has allocated an extra £341m ($431m) to support the Sizewell C nuclear energy initiative.

France-based nuclear giant EDF is developing the power plant, which will feature two reactors producing the equivalent of 3.2GW of energy (Photo: Gov.UK)

The funds will aid in preparing the site for construction, sourcing key components and expanding the workforce.

The Sizewell C project is situated in Suffolk in the south-east of England, and is part of the UK’s efforts to increase its nuclear generation potential.

France-based nuclear giant EDF is developing the power plant, which will feature two reactors producing the equivalent of 3.2GW of energy.

The government aims for a quarter of the country’s electricity to come from nuclear generation by 2050, with a target of 24GW, four times greater than the current levels.

The government has already invested £870m in the project, which it estimates will power six million homes over 60 years and save the UK up to nine million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

Minister for Nuclear and Networks, Andrew Bowie, stated that “Today’s funding announcement is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to this vital project, and will mean the site will be shovel-ready, and work able to start, much more quickly.”

The government is eager to reach a Final Investment Decision for the Sizewell C project, following a delay in approving EDF to commence development in 2022. The project is anticipated to create 10,000 jobs nationwide, including 1,500 apprenticeships. However, local and national campaign groups have protested against the construction of Sizewell C, primarily due to the site’s proximity to the Minsmere Nature Reserve and concerns regarding freshwater supply in one of the UK’s driest areas.