Go Ahead Given to Sizewell C

The government is to spend billions of pounds towards building the Sizewell C nuclear power station.

Funding of £14.2 billion for the construction on the Suffolk coast - and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband says that ‘advice on reaching net zero is clear - with nuclear necessary to meet the UK's climate obligations.’

Fierce local opposition continues - with groups saying that it has concerns about Sizewell C’s location on Suffolk’s fragile coast.

Once the new power station is complete, Sizewell will host three operational nuclear reactors - the largest operational nuclear cluster in the country.

Reaction from local councils:

Statement from Cllr Tom Daly, East Suffolk Council’s Cabinet Member for Energy Projects, following confirmation by the government of £14.2bn funding for the construction of the Sizewell C Nuclear Power Station:

“East Suffolk Council believes that truly renewable energy, such as offshore and onshore wind and solar, provides a better long-term answer to the energy security and carbon reduction future of the UK. However, with this announcement, the Sizewell C project now proceeds with certainty, and we will work closely with Sizewell C Ltd and our technical advisors to ensure that the funding we secured for local communities will genuinely benefit the people we serve.

“This ‘Deed of Obligation’ includes a commitment by Sizewell C, secured by East Suffolk Council, to provide £30 million in investment for housing, economic development and tourism schemes, as well as a £23 million community fund and £12 million towards the natural environment. 

“East Suffolk Council also requests - in parallel with this significant investment in nuclear energy - that similar funding will be provided for community energy and domestic insulation solutions to meet the urgency of the climate crisis and unaffordable energy prices for many.

“Domestic solar PV combined with other appropriate energy saving technologies are a both a realistic and achievable, cost-effective path to meeting our climate commitments, as well as alleviating fuel poverty.

“Meanwhile, through meetings with ministers and regular engagement we will continue to lobby the government further to ensure a coordinated and strategic approach to energy policy and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects which protects the wellbeing of this district.

“As part of this we are urging local residents to get involved in the next stage of the planning process for the proposed Sea Link project, for which a significant amount of onshore infrastructure is proposed, impacting the East Suffolk district.

“The application has been submitted for examination to the Planning Inspectorate, and only those registered will be able to comment during the examination period. Organisations and individuals wishing to comment must register as an Interested Party by Monday 23 June 2025 at Sea Link - Project information.”

Councillor Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Devolution, Local Government Reform and NSIPs, said: 

“This is a step forward for Suffolk and creates more certainty for the future of our communities and residents. 

“It is now crucial that we look to maximise the significant economic opportunities that Sizewell C will bring.

“This includes the importance of creating a lasting legacy, so that when construction is over those newly created jobs, skills and businesses are transferable. This cannot be a boom-and-bust scenario. We have a very real opportunity to make Suffolk a centre of excellence for operations and maintenance in the nuclear sector.

“We have always put on record our support for guaranteeing the nation’s energy security. 

“But regarding Sizewell C, we have also worked hard to ensure that its impacts on communities and the environment are suitably minimised and mitigated. As the project progresses, we will continue to hold the developer to account and ensure conditions are adhered to.” 

This announcement is a significant moment for Suffolk and the county’s contribution to energy security and the renaissance of nuclear power in the UK. 

Once construction of Sizewell C is complete, the site will host three operational nuclear reactors - the largest operational nuclear cluster in the country, mobilising around 2,000 staff every six months. 

Suffolk and the wider region has the opportunity to secure the benefits of nuclear operations and maintenance, bringing the potential for long term growth, employment, skills and education. 

However Suffolk, especially its coastal communities, face a long and potentially difficult period of disruptive construction. The county council will continue to hold Sizewell C to account, on behalf of local people and businesses. The project must keep to the commitments that it has made to the people and environment of Suffolk.