Sizewell C secures use of sites at two Suffolk ports as work to build new reactor continues
Three sites will be used - two at the Port of Lowestoft and one at the Port of Ipswich
Three sites at two ports in Suffolk are to be used by the Sizewell C nuclear power project, as work to build the new reactor begins.
Sizewell C has signed an agreement with ABP, which runs the Port of Lowestoft and the Port of Ipswich, to use the sites to store construction materials.
The company claims 60% of material used in construction will be brought in via the sea, reducing the number of lorries on local roads.
Julia Pyke, Joint Managing Director of Sizewell C, said: “This is a key step in delivering on our Community Pledges to keep disruption to local communities to a minimum and transport the majority of freight using sea and rail to reduce the number of HGVs on local roads."
"These strategically significant areas of land at the Ports of Lowestoft and Ipswich will help ensure we have the right space available to keep the project running smoothly.”
Julian Walker, Regional Director for ABP, said: “ABP’s ports in East Anglia are ideal as key hubs for handling construction materials and play a key role in more sustainable supply chains."
"That’s demonstrated by the selection of Lowestoft and Ipswich to support the development of Sizewell C and we are delighted to have concluded this agreement.
"The movement of significant volumes of cargo by rail and sea is a vital step in supporting the project’s transport delivery strategy and Community Pledges.
"We look forward to developing our partnership with Sizewell C to further support the project over the life of the construction period, and beyond.”
It comes after East Suffolk Councillors discussed the impact of the project at a full council meeting last night.
Cllr Sarah Whitelock, of Aldeburgh & Leiston, said she believed the public was misled by the “glossy PR brochures”.
She said: “I was misled about the impact on the area, its residents, its visitors, its economy, and its biodiversity.
“This is an opportunity to truly represent our residents and truly give them a voice in this David and Goliath struggle over the future of our beautiful and unique coastline.”
Cllr David Beavan added: “I am not completely against nuclear energy and hope that one day nuclear fusion will safely give us the power of the sun.
“But this Sizewell C proposal is just wrong on so many counts — what a tragedy it will be if the turbines are uselessly turning, whilst the fossil fuels are still dangerously burning.”