The UK has pledged £14.2 billion to construct the Sizewell C nuclear plant. The move is part of a wider upgrade of ageing nuclear plant facilities that are aiming to bolster energy security.
Alongside 30 other nations, Britain has committed to triple nuclear power by 2050. In total, the Government has allocated £17.8 billion, including £3.6 billion, which has already been invested. It follows the earlier construction of Hinkley Point C, which is scheduled to start operating in 2029.
Sizewell C is predicted to create circa 10,000 jobs during construction, and produce sufficient electricity to power over 6 million homes following completion. The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, is keen to get investors involved, and has championed the scheme as the biggest boost to nuclear energy in a generation. The sector accounted for around 14% of the UK’s electricity generation in 2024.
The UK’s nuclear power strategy also involves the establishment of small modular reactors (SMRs), which Rolls Royce has won the contract to develop. It is hoped these will also help address the UK’s energy needs. Not only are they faster to build, but they also support thousands of high-skill jobs.
SMRs appeal to the Government because they offer a secure, affordable, trustworthy and low carbon energy system. Still in embryonic phase, around 80 different model types have been researched globally. For people investment planning in Cheshire and the wider North West energy market, potential sites include Wylfa in North Wales and Heysham in Lancashire. The Government has said it will reduce regulations to make it easier to build SMRs on new sites.
