Energy giant behind Sizewell C welcomes government pledges on nuclear power
The Prime Minister wants to boost energy production in the UK
Last updated 7th Apr 2022
Power giant EDF, which is behind Sizewell B and the proposed Sizewell C, has welcomed the Government's long-awaited energy strategy announcement.
Boris Johnson has promised to bring down household energy bills by boosting nuclear, wind, solar and hydrogen power.
In its long-awaited energy strategy, ministers are promising "cleaner and more affordable energy", aiming to make 95% of electricity low carbon by 2030.
Boris Johnson said the strategy, including new nuclear and offshore wind plans, would reduce the UK's dependence on foreign sources of energy.
There has been particular worldwide concern about the reliance on Russian oil and gas since the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine.
Alison Downes, from campaign group Stop Sizewell C, told us: "Well we don't understand why with money in short supply and the need for solutions very urgently, that the Government's placed large-scale nuclear projects front and centre of its energy strategy.
"In doing that, ministers are essentially locking the country into what is the most risky, slow and expensive of energy infrastructure."
Sizewell C
EDF’s UK CEO Simone Rossi said: “Britain is right to take control of its energy future, with a step change in ambition for electricity from wind, nuclear and solar, and greater energy efficiency.
“Building more new nuclear will reduce Britain’s dependence on overseas gas and keep energy prices stable, creating thousands of jobs while we’re doing it.
"The fastest way to get more nuclear in Britain is get on with the next two units at Sizewell C.
"Building more of the same design is the best way to bring down costs and develop a strong UK supply chain.”
WATCH: Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng has been speaking to us about the benefits of new nuclear plants, like Sizewell C
Alison Downes, from campaign group Stop Sizewell C, told us: "Now in theory this ought not to make any difference to Sizewell C which is subject to planning consent and sort of other regulatory approvals.
"But we were absolutely outraged to hear the Secretary of State say that the Government is committed to Sizewell C."
Labour say plan won't bring down bills now
Labour said the Prime Minister had "caved to his own backbenchers", adding that the plan would do nothing to help deal with the cost of living crisis faced by households.
A new body, Great British Nuclear, will be set up to bolster capacity and deliver eight reactors by the end of the decade.
The strategy also confirmed the intention to push ahead with a nuclear project at the Wylfa site on the island of Anglesey, off the north-west coast of Wales.
"We are setting out bold plans"- PM
Boris Johnson said: "We're setting out bold plans to scale up and accelerate affordable, clean and secure energy made in Britain, for Britain, from new nuclear to offshore wind, in the decade ahead.
"This will reduce our dependence on power sources exposed to volatile international prices we cannot control, so we can enjoy greater energy self-sufficiency with cheaper bills."
The rocketing energy bills faced by families have been caused in part by a post-pandemic rise in demand for gas, with lower levels of production.
This was only exacerbated by the war in Ukraine both due to energy supplies but also the production of wheat and some metals.
But Ed Miliband, Labour's shadow climate change and net-zero secretary, said: "The Government's energy relaunch is in disarray.
"Ludicrously, Boris Johnson's own energy strategy has failed on the sprint we needed on onshore wind and solar, the cheapest, cleanest forms of homegrown power.
"This relaunch will do nothing for the millions of families now facing an energy bills crisis.
"No reversal of the ban on onshore wind and not a penny more on energy efficiency.
"These decisions will force households to pay hundreds of pounds more for their energy bills and keep the UK dependent on imported gas for longer."
Sizewell B review
As well as backing the Government's move to support more nuclear in the future, EDF has also confirmed its launched a review into expanding the operational lifespan of existing power plant, Sizewell B.
It says by extending the lifespan by 20 years, to 2055, it would protect jobs and energy security.
The plant on the Suffolk coast currently provides 3% of the nation's electricity demand.
Paul Morton, Chief Nuclear Officer said “Sizewell B power station is an important national asset that helps deliver clean, independent energy supplies.
“EDF is actively exploring a 20-year life extension opportunity to take output to 2055. A final investment decision is anticipated by 2024.”
Robert Gunn, Sizewell B Station Director, said: “I am proud of our local team at the power station and the work they do to ensure Sizewell B continues to generate the low carbon electricity that we all depend upon.”
Alison Downes from the Stop Sizewell C group said: "As long as its life extension can be done safely then that makes sense.
"That nuclear infrastructure is already there and its certainly a preferable option to building Sizewell C, that's for sure."
This is the start of a robust process which will involve key partners including Westinghouse, Jacobs, GE and Framatome, some were involved at the start of the station’s operation.
Sizewell B will engage with industry regulators the Office for Nuclear Regulation and the Environment Agency throughout the process.
Equipment will be systematically checked and the station and partners will identify the areas where investment will be required to maintain safe and reliable generation, should the decision be taken to extend the station’s life to 2055.