UK Powers Up Nuclear Future: Sizewell C Greenlit Amidst Major Policy Overhaul

September 25, 2025

The UK government has announced a significant push towards nuclear energy, marked by the final investment decision for the Sizewell C power station and a sweeping reform of planning and regulatory rules. This strategic move aims to bolster the nation’s energy security, create thousands of jobs, and reduce long-term energy bills by expanding homegrown clean power.

Key Takeaways

Sizewell C Gets Go-Ahead: A multi-billion-pound deal has been finalized for the Sizewell C nuclear power station, expected to power six million homes and create 10,000 jobs. The government will become the largest shareholder, alongside private investors.
Nuclear Expansion Plans: The government aims to quadruple nuclear power capacity by 2050, representing the biggest expansion in 70 years. This includes exploring new GW-scale power stations and investing in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
Policy Reforms: Red tape is being cut to streamline the approval process for nuclear projects, including SMRs, and to allow for new sites beyond the previously designated eight.
Fuel Security: The UK is investing up to £300 million to build Europe’s first high-tech nuclear fuel facility, aiming to reduce reliance on Russia and secure the supply chain for advanced reactors.

Sizewell C: A Landmark Investment

The final investment decision for Sizewell C signifies a major step in the UK’s nuclear revival. The project, estimated to cost around £38 billion, is projected to deliver electricity system savings of £2 billion annually once operational. The government’s substantial equity stake, alongside private investors like EDF, Centrica, La Caisse, and Amber Infrastructure, underscores a commitment to shared ownership and taxpayer benefit. The project aims to be approximately 20% cheaper than its predecessor, Hinkley Point C, by leveraging lessons learned from its construction.

Accelerating Nuclear Development

To facilitate this expansion, the government is overhauling planning rules. This includes enabling Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to be built for the first time and removing restrictions on where nuclear sites can be located. A dedicated Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce will also be established to improve regulations, making it easier and faster for companies to build new nuclear facilities while maintaining high safety standards. This reform aims to position the UK competitively against other nations actively developing nuclear technology.

Securing Future Fuel Supplies

In a move to enhance energy independence and reduce geopolitical leverage, the UK is investing significantly in domestic nuclear fuel production. The establishment of Europe’s first High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) facility will break Russia’s dominance in this market. This investment, alongside support for fusion energy development, is crucial for powering next-generation reactors and ensuring a stable, clean energy future for the UK and its allies.