EDF Energy has submitted the planning application for a new nuclear power station at Sizewell, Suffolk.
If approved, Sizewell C will comprise two 1.6GW EPR reactors, generating enough low-carbon electricity for around 6 million homes. It will support the expansion of renewables, and improve the UK’s national resilience by reducing the need for energy imports.
“Sizewell C is a net-zero infrastructure project ready to kick-start the economy following the coronavirus crisis,” said Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson, Managing Director for Sizewell C. “It will offer thousands of high-quality job opportunities and long-term employment for people living in Suffolk and it will strengthen the nuclear supply chain across the country.”
The submission of the Development Consent Order (DCO) to the Planning Inspectorate follows four rounds of public consultation beginning in 2012.
Submission was deferred for two months because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Extra measures will be put in place to make it easier for local communities to scrutinise the proposals once they are published. These include extending the pre-examination period to allow more time for interested parties to register with the Planning Inspectorate.
EDF says that the new power station will provide a huge stimulus to the UK economy following the pandemic, creating around 25,000 employment opportunities and 1,000 apprenticeships during construction. Once operational, it will employ 900 people in high-skilled positions based in Suffolk.
Up to 70 per cent of the construction value will be spent with firms across the UK.
Sizewell C will be a near-replica of Hinkley Point C in Somerset, which is now under construction. Using the same design means that Sizewell C will benefit from significantly reduced construction costs and lower risk. Innovative financing has the potential to reduce costs even further.
According to EDF’s 2020 socio-economic report on Hinkley Point C, the project has beaten its target of delivering £1.5 billion to South West businesses five years ahead of schedule.
- Find out more about EDF Energy’s plans for Sizewell C.
