It is hoped that Sizewell C will generate enough low-carbon electricity to power six million homes and that the multi-billion pound investment in nuclear power will insulate the UK from volatile energy prices. Carly Vince, director of planning for Sizewell C, said she was “delighted” with the news, adding: “Sizewell C will be good for the area, creating thousands of opportunities for local people and businesses. It will enhance local biodiversity and leave a legacy Suffolk can be proud of.” It also promised to “work closely” with local residents, local authorities and environmental groups “to ensure we minimize the impact of construction and maximize the huge opportunities for the area”. The application to develop the site was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate by NNB Nuclear Generation in May 2020 and accepted for consideration the following month. The inspectorate’s chief executive, Sarah Richards, said the review took place during COVID-19 restrictions, but that efforts were made to ensure all interested parties could participate. However, a spokesman for campaign group Stop Sizewell C said: “The wrong decision has been made but it is not the end of our campaign. “Not only will we carefully consider the appeal of this decision, but we will continue to challenge every aspect of Sizewell C because, whether it is the impact on consumers, the enormous costs and delays, the outstanding technical issues or the environmental impact, it remains a bad work and a very bad risk.’ In March, the government announced plans to take a 20% stake in Sizewell C, and French electricity giant EDF will also take a 20% stake in the delayed £20bn project. Discussions are ongoing with the government regarding funding, with a Financial Investment Decision expected in 2023. The unions demanded that the project be pushed forward. Charlotte Childs, GMB national officer, said: “Sizewell C is essential to meeting our energy challenges. This is a vital step forward for energy security and net zero. “The UK’s nuclear program has been delayed too many times by political decisions. We need further investment in nuclear to secure good jobs for the future.” Prospect union senior deputy general secretary Sue Ferns said: “We now need the Government to present its investment decision as a matter of urgency so that the project can go ahead. “This week’s extreme temperatures have shown that we cannot afford to delay the release of our energy supply.” But Greenpeace UK chief scientist Dr Doug Parr said Sizewell C “represented everything that was wrong about energy policy”. He said: “The contrast between the dynamism, cost-cutting and innovative technologies of renewables and the limping behemoths of new nuclear power could hardly be more striking. “Sizewell C represents everything that has gone wrong with energy policy. “A nuclear company, beset by problems – from reactor failure to nationalization – closes a tailor-made deal that leads to extra costs on energy bills, unmanageable waste for future generations and an expensive white elephant project. a major nature reserve is an unwelcome bonus. “Instead of wasting time and money on this red herring energy solution, the government should put everything into making cheaper, cleaner and more reliable renewables the backbone of our energy system. “Whatever else is going on in UK politics at the moment, there is no sign of a new beginning here.”
