Construction can begin on Sizewell C nuclear reactor on Suffolk coast
The project is expected to power around six million homes when up and running
Construction can now begin to build the Sizewell C nuclear plant, planned for the Suffolk coast.
It's as a developmental consent order's been triggered for the project - which is expected to power around six million homes when up and running.
A number of campaigners have spent the morning outside the site, protesting the decision.
"Driven by nuclear ideology rather than practicality"
Jenny Kirtley, chair of Together Against Sizewell C, condemned the decision, stating: "By enabling Sizewell C construction to start, the UK government, as majority shareholder, is permitting permanent environmental damage to the Heritage Coast and biodiversity of East Suffolk, directly contradicting its own green agenda.
"The government is recklessly pursuing Sizewell C despite no final investment decision, no updated cost estimates, no nuclear site licence, no final sea defence design or guaranteed water supply for the plant's 60-year operational lifespan - meaning there is no certainty that Sizewell C will ever be completed.
"Driven by nuclear ideology rather than practicality, the government is showing blatant disregard for the protected landscape of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and its environment.
"This heartbreaking decision to destroy the local area is even more galling as taxpayer money is funding the project."
What does Suffolk County Council say?
Councillor Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for finance and environment, said:
“Despite a number of concerns during the planning process, this council has worked hard to ensure that should Sizewell C go ahead, Suffolk will be suitably compensated."
With construction confirmed to be able to go ahead now, Suffolk will see around £250 million made available to its communities, to help mitigate the impact on residents, businesses, the environment and infrastructure.
The councillor continued: “Now that the project is officially underway, we will hold Sizewell C to account and make sure it meets its commitments to support local communities, mitigates its impact on them, and listens to ongoing concerns and issues from residents and businesses.
“We are looking forward to making the most of the economic opportunities for Suffolk which will come from this project, in particular our role coordinating skills and education to create opportunities locally.
“We have always put on record our support for guaranteeing the nation’s energy security, and a future of low carbon energy.”
What have the Government and EDF said?
A spokesperson for EDF Energy said:
"Our proposals for Sizewell C will see the creation of a 3.2 gigawatt power station, that will create low-carbon electricity that will supply 6 million homes."
"Delivering clean, reliable, and affordable power for generations"
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Claire Coutinho, said:
"Investing in Sizewell C is an exciting opportunity to be a part of the UK’s nuclear revival - delivering clean, reliable, and affordable power for generations to come.
"This project will create thousands of jobs, power 6 million homes and will boost our energy security.
"We are focused on securing good value for taxpayers and look forward to seeing strong and competitive bids to be a part of this exciting project."