Why the UK Government is Investing Billions in Sizewell C
The UK Government has committed to allocating £14.2bn (US$16.4bn) to the construction of a new nuclear power station in Suffolk, England.
Sizewell C has been given the go-ahead and is set to be a 3,200 MWe power station with two reactors.
This project could be critical to the country's larger goal of sourcing its electricity from environmentally friendly sources by 2030.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband 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.”
About Sizewell C
The journey of Sizewell C began in 2008 when the UK government identified a need for additional nuclear sites.
However, it wasn't until 2020 that the project gained substantial attention and support.
EDF Energy first put forward proposals for the site in 2012 and remains a shareholder alongside the government.
Construction of the site began on 15 January 2024 and it is expected to cost a total of up to £30bn (US$40.5bn).
Julia Pyke and Nigel Cann, Joint-Managing Directors of Sizewell C, said that the government’s investment “marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Sizewell C, the UK’s first British-owned nuclear power plant in over 30 years.
“It’s a privilege to be leading a project that will create over 10,000 jobs, secure Britain’s energy future and revitalise the UK’s nuclear industry.
“We aim to showcase British infrastructure at its best – delivering a cleaner, more secure energy future for generations to come.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: “We are once again investing in Britain'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 in people’s pockets.”
The sustainability impact of nuclear energy
In alignment with the Paris Agreement, the UK has committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050.
Achieving this involves a significant shift towards decarbonising its energy supply by the end of the decade.
Jeremy Stain, Nuclear Business Leader at Arup, said: “More than ever, the UK must focus on achieving energy security and resilience across the energy mix and match that ambition with action.
“Nuclear has an important role to play as part of a low carbon energy mix.
“Other countries are moving quickly, and many are already actively pursuing advanced nuclear technologies as part of their decarbonisation strategy, so it is positive to see the UK aiming to match that ambition.”
Nuclear energy presents a distinct advantage by offering a consistent power supply with minimal direct carbon emissions compared to other renewable sources.
Unlike wind or solar energy, it demands significantly less land space and has the potential to recycle up to 90% of its waste.
Despite these benefits, nuclear poses challenges such as dependency on finite uranium resources and the management of radioactive waste.
Nuclear power in the UK
Since opening the world's first commercial nuclear power station, Calder Hall, in 1956, the UK's nuclear journey has seen limited new developments since the 1990s.
All of the UK’s current nuclear fleet, except Sizewell B, are likely to be phased out by the early 2030s.
Alongside this investment in Sizewell C, the government says it is supporting other nuclear solutions.
Great British Nuclear is set to announce the outcome of its small modular reactor (SMR) competition with the aim of driving down costs and unlocking private finance for one of the first SMR fleets in Europe.
In February 2025, the government introduced planning reforms designed to simplify nuclear construction processes nationwide.
In addition, it plans to inject £300m (US$405m) into creating a non-Russian nuclear fuel supply chain.
Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said: “This new nuclear programme will give the country the jobs, the economic growth and the energy security we need to ensure a secure and reliable power supply for the future.
“This announcement shows the government is serious about new nuclear, and realising the economic benefits that come with it, and will be welcomed in communities the length and breadth of Britain.”
Nuclear fusion is also in the government’s sights, with £2.5bn (US$3.3bn) set to be invested in R&D over five years.
This includes progressing the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) programme based in Nottinghamshire.
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