Construction of the UK's Sizewell C nuclear power plant gets green light

Sizewell C has received approval to begin the construction phase of its new nuclear reactors (Development Consent Order – DCO). EDF Energy, in cooperation with the UK government, plans to build two EPR 1600 reactors at the site in Suffolk, UK.

EDF Energy applied for a DCO in May 2020. The consent, which follows an application for a nuclear site licence, is assessed by the Planning Inspectorate. It also determines whether the proposed project complies with national legislation and planning policy. The project received planning approval in July 2022. Although preparatory work began immediately, many requirements had to be met under the DCO before the construction phase could begin.

The requirements set out in the Deed of Obligation, covering activities ranging from mapping key road routes to setting up steering groups, have now all been met, allowing the project's formal construction phase to begin, EDF Energy announced.

Support for the local community and involvement of private investors

The formal start of construction will unlock a GBP 250 million (CZK 7.2 billion) site support funding package. The package will be available during the project's construction phase across several development areas. Funding will include GBP 23 million for community projects, GBP 100 million for environmental support, GBP 12 million for tourism development and GBP 12 million for a housing fund to support private housing and tourist accommodation.

New Sizewell C citizens' forums have been established so local residents can continue to share their views on the project during construction. Residents can discuss key issues with the project team at the forums. There are four main forums, which are independently run and cover the main project topics relevant to the local community. Residents will be represented at the forums by town and parish councils, and local residents may also attend meetings as observers.

In September 2023, the UK government, Sizewell C and EDF launched a capital-raising process to attract private investors to the project. Although the start of the construction phase does not depend on a final investment decision (FID), constructive discussions with qualified potential investors are continuing, and a decision is likely during 2024.

Sizewell C's importance for the region and the UK

“This is a significant moment for our project in Suffolk and a major step for British energy security,” said Julia Pyke and Nigel Cann, directors of Sizewell C. “We have had a really successful year and have worked hard with local partners and organisations to be ready to take the next step in this project.

“Sizewell C will be a key part of the UK's energy mix. It is much more than a power station, especially for this region. Moving into the construction phase will be a turning point for the area. It will help boost employment and workers' skills, improve the local environment and develop new clean technologies.” Nuclear Industry Association Director Tom Greatrex said that building Sizewell C would create tens of thousands of new jobs at the site and across the UK, and could bring billions in investment to the region.

The UK energy industry and energy security

Nuclear Minister Andrew Bowie, during a visit to the Sizewell C construction site, said: “This is a significant milestone for Sizewell C and our ambition to deliver up to 24 GW of low-carbon nuclear power by 2050. It comes after we announced the biggest expansion of nuclear power in 70 years, which will help cut bills and strengthen our energy security. East Anglia will benefit from thousands of new jobs and apprenticeships, reflecting our support for new nuclear projects.”

Under the approved plans, Sizewell C will have two EPR pressurised water reactors with a combined installed capacity of 3.2 GW, equivalent to the consumption of around six million households. It is intended to be a “replica” of Hinkley Point C, which is currently under construction in Somerset, UK.

“Sizewell C will create 1,500 apprenticeships and support thousands of jobs across the country, with at least one-third of the 7,900 construction workers expected to come from the local area,” Sizewell C said. The project as a whole is expected to have an impact not only on associated supply chains, but also on maintaining and developing nuclear expertise for future nuclear projects.