Sizewell C could 'level up' economy in Suffolk - Chamber of Commerce
Local business leaders have been looking at a report on the economic impact of the Hickley Point C reactor in Somerset
Last updated 29th Apr 2022
Business leaders in Suffolk say the Sizewell C nuclear power project could provide a major boost to the local economy.
Suffolk Chamber of Commerce have been reacting to a new report which looked at the economic impact of the ongoing contruction of Hinckley Point C in Somerset.
It found the reactor project had already delivered £4.1bn to the economy of the South West, against an initial target of £1.5bn.
The project has also helped to boost wages and job opportunies, with more than 1,400 companies involved in construction.
So far 922 apprentices have been trained up to aid with construction, now expected to finish in 2026.
John Dugmore, Chief Executive of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “These latest figures from Hinkley Point C show what we can achieve here in Suffolk and East Anglia regarding supply chain opportunities to support economic growth."
"Our Supply Chain engagement team are working with almost 2000 businesses, who are eager to get started, to get them fit and ready to seize the huge supply chain opportunities that the Sizewell C project will bring to our region.”
It comes as the companies behind the still to be approved Sizewell C project launch a drive to recruit 1,500 apprentices.
Apprentices from Lowestoft and Ipswich are already in training with contractor Doosan Babcock.
Terry Baxter, CEO Inspire Suffolk, said:
“Sizewell C will be a catalyst for positive change for some of our most vulnerable young people in the region."
"The project is already delivering a boost in skills and training with us at Inspire Suffolk and young people tell us they want a chance to do more with Sizewell C.”
The Sizewell C nuclear project is not without its critics, with local campaigners protesting against plans to break ground on a third reactor on the Suffolk coast.
Key amongst their concerns is the vast cost of building new reactors.
Initial estimates put the price of Sizewell C at £20bn, however the budget for Hinckley Point C has ballooned to more than £22bn, with the construction also facing delays.
There are also major fears about the environmental impact of contruction, which will require thousands of people and heavy machinery to operate near an area of Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
There is currently no permanent solution for radioactive waste produced by Sizewell A and B, with most of it being placed in storage ponds on the site.
Sizewell A, which stopped generating power in 2006, won't be fully decomissioned until 2098.