The UK government has approved a £14.2 billion investment for the Sizewell C nuclear power station in Suffolk, marking the country's largest nuclear programme in a generation. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband hailed the project as a crucial step to 'get Britain off the fossil fuel rollercoaster', promising 10,000 jobs and enough electricity to power 6 million homes.
Miliband stressed that nuclear power is essential for meeting the UK's net zero targets, particularly as electricity demand is expected to double by 2050. 'All of the expert advice says nuclear has a really important role to play in the energy system,' he said, adding that the investment would not detract from renewables.
The announcement comes as part of Chancellor Rachel Reeves' spending review, which includes £113 billion in new capital investment. However, the review has been overshadowed by controversy, including a reversal on the winter fuel payment for pensioners with incomes below £35,000 and a funding row with the Home Office that could lead to cuts in police numbers.
The Sizewell C project ends a 15-year wait since the site was first earmarked for nuclear development in 2010. Critics argue the project is too expensive compared to other energy sources and will only create short-term jobs. Meanwhile, London Mayor Sadiq Khan has raised concerns about potential cuts to regional growth funds.
