The UK government has pledged £14.2 billion (about $19.3 billion) toward the construction of the Sizewell C nuclear power station, aiming to strengthen national energy security and cut carbon emissions.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband called the investment vital for the country’s energy future. “We need new nuclear to deliver a golden age of clean energy abundance,” Miliband said in a statement quoted by Reuters. “That is the only way to protect family finances, take back control of our energy, and tackle the climate crisis.”
Sizewell C, a 3.2-gigawatt nuclear facility developed by French energy company EDF, was first announced in 2020. At the time, the project’s estimated cost was around $25 billion. However, rising prices for raw materials have pushed the cost significantly higher.
Originally, the UK government committed to funding 40% of the total cost—about £6.4 billion ($8.7 billion). Private investors were expected to provide the rest. It is unclear whether the newly announced £14.2 billion includes the earlier government contribution.
The project is one of two nuclear plants currently under construction in the UK, alongside Hinkley Point C, which is also being built by EDF. Both projects have faced major delays and cost overruns, sparking criticism from the public and policymakers.
Hinkley Point C began construction over a decade ago and is now projected to be completed by 2031, three to four years later than previously planned. Its revised cost stands at approximately $58.4 billion.
EDF estimates that Sizewell C will supply 7% of the UK’s electricity needs for at least 60 years, powering up to 6 million homes. Hinkley Point C is also expected to meet 7% of national demand.
The UK government sees nuclear energy as a key part of its long-term clean energy strategy, especially as it reduces dependence on fossil fuels and foreign energy sources.
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