Sizewell C: Government in talks to build new £20bn nuclear plant

Plant could generate 7 per cent of UK energy needs but critics say it is too expensive and will take too long to build

The government has said it will start talks with EDF Energy over investing in the Sizewell C site in Suffolk (PA)

The government has begun talks with French energy firm EDF to build a new £20bn nuclear power plant in Suffolk.

Sizewell C could generate 3.2 gigawatts of electricity, enough to provide 7 per cent of the UK's energy needs, although any deal would be subject to approvals on areas including value for money and affordability, the government said.

Negotiations are also dependent on the progress of the Hinkley Point C plant, which EDF is building with China’s state nuclear energy company. The Somerset project is years behind schedule and has been criticised because the energy it will provide is substantially more expensive than renewables such as wind.

Environmental groups and local campaigners have criticised the Sizewell C proposals, with the RSPB warning that it would be “catastrophic” for wildlife.

Monday's announcement came as the government unveiled its energy white paper, which contains plans that it said would cut carbon emissions and support 220,000 jobs over the next decade.

Under one proposal, consumers would be automatically switched between energy supply deals to prevent “loyalty penalties”.

Homes would also be made more energy efficient and would be fitted with low-carbon heating systems.

Some experts were sceptical that the government would be able to keep costs of a new plant at Sizewell under control. “While it is likely that some new nuclear will be needed to reach net zero, putting bill-payers on the hook for delays and cost overruns is a very risky move,” said Dr Jonathan Marshall, head of analysis at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU).

“There is little evidence to suggest Sizewell will not be blighted by the same issues that have struck other European nuclear projects, which under the expected funding models would see Brits footing the bill for Sizewell many years before it starts generating power.”

Unions reacted more favourably to the announcement. “This is brilliant news for the zero-carbon electricity it will generate for future generations and the thousands of jobs it will generate being built,” said Justin Bowden, GMB national secretary.

The business and energy secretary, Alok Sharma, said: “Today's plan establishes a decisive and permanent shift away from our dependence on fossil fuels, towards cleaner energy sources that will put our country at the forefront of the global green industrial revolution.”

“At every step of the way, we will place affordability and fairness at the heart of our reforms – unleashing a wave of competition so consumers get the best deals possible on their bills, while protecting the vulnerable and fuel-poor with additional financial support.”

Emma Pinchbeck, chief executive at industry lobby group Energy UK, said the new Sizewell plant would “at least double” the country's clean energy supply.  

“The energy industry will do our bit to innovate, supporting our customers so that they benefit from the net-zero transition and investing in the green infrastructure we need – but clear policies from government help us do that.

“This is what the white paper – and other publications over the next year – should provide.”