Sizewell C Nuclear Power Plant Secures Final Investment Green Light, Promising Clean Energy and Jobs

February 3, 2026

The United Kingdom has officially given the go-ahead for the Sizewell C nuclear power plant with a final investment decision, marking a significant step towards bolstering the nation’s energy security and driving economic growth. This multi-billion-pound project is set to provide clean electricity for millions of homes and create thousands of jobs during its construction and operational phases.

Key Takeaways

The UK government has made a substantial investment, becoming the largest shareholder in the Sizewell C project.
The plant is projected to deliver clean power equivalent to six million homes.
It is expected to create 10,000 jobs at peak construction and thousands more in the supply chain.
The project aims to deliver electricity system savings of approximately £2 billion annually once operational.
Sizewell C is anticipated to cost around 20% less than its predecessor, Hinkley Point C.

A New Era for Nuclear Power

The Energy Secretary has finalized the investment decision for Sizewell C, a move that signifies a major commitment to a new era of nuclear power in the UK. This project is designed to secure Britain’s homegrown nuclear supply for decades, reducing reliance on volatile global fossil fuel markets and contributing to stable energy prices for consumers. Analysis suggests that once operational, Sizewell C could lead to average annual savings of £2 billion across the future low-carbon electricity system, translating into lower power bills.

Economic Boost and Job Creation

Beyond its energy contributions, Sizewell C is poised to be a significant economic driver. At the height of its construction, the project will directly employ 10,000 people, with an additional substantial number of jobs supported through the nationwide supply chain. The project also plans to create 1,500 apprenticeships, fostering skills development for the future workforce. A notable commitment is that 70% of the construction value is expected to be awarded to British businesses, with an anticipated 3,500 UK companies participating in the supply chain.

Investment and Ownership Structure

The government will take an initial 44.9% stake in Sizewell C, positioning itself as the largest equity shareholder. This investment is part of a broader funding model that includes private investors such as EDF, Centrica, La Caisse, and Amber Infrastructure. The National Wealth Fund will provide the majority of the project’s debt finance, working alongside France’s export credit agency, Bpifrance Assurance Export, which is offering a proposed £5 billion debt guarantee. This collaborative approach aims to spread the estimated £38 billion construction cost among consumers, taxpayers, and private investors, with the goal of limiting the impact on consumer bills during construction to an average of around £1 per month.

Learning from Past Projects

The funding model for Sizewell C builds upon lessons learned from the construction of Hinkley Point C. By creating a virtual replica, the project is expected to be built for approximately 20% less than Hinkley Point C. This strategy aims to ensure cost control and successful delivery for consumers and taxpayers. The project’s joint managing directors have expressed their determination to deliver this major infrastructure project differently and ensure it is one that Britain can be proud of.

Future of Nuclear Energy in the UK

With the existing nuclear fleet, excluding Sizewell B, expected to be phased out by the early 2030s, Sizewell C represents a crucial step in revitalizing the UK’s nuclear energy sector. Alongside the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) and the ongoing Hinkley Point C project, Sizewell C is part of the government’s most ambitious nuclear program in a generation. Once operational, these combined nuclear projects are expected to deliver more new nuclear power to the grid than in the previous fifty years.