Government commits £14.2bn to Sizewell C nuclear power station

Why it matters: The government says the investment will boost UK energy security and create 10,000 jobs, including 1,500 apprenticeships. However, critics argue the money would be better spent on home insulation and renewable energy, citing nuclear power's high costs and delays.

The big picture: Energy Secretary Ed Miliband will describe the commitment as part of a "golden age" of nuclear power aimed at boosting Britain's energy independence. The announcement comes ahead of tomorrow's spending review, which will set departmental budgets until 2029.

What they're saying: John Dugmore, CEO of the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the funding as "another vote of confidence in this catalytic energy scheme" that "reinforces Suffolk and, more generally, the East of England as the country's clean energy super hub."

He said it has helped "thousands of local and regional businesses get mission ready to take advantage of the many tendering opportunities" through its management of the Sizewell C Supply Chain over more than a decade.

However, he warned that benefits "can only be fully realised with additional investment in the surrounding infrastructure," calling for government funding of rail junction projects and upgrades to roads including the A14, A12 and A47.

The other side: Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay MP criticised the investment, saying: "Nuclear power is hugely expensive and far too slow to come on line. The only thing delivered by EDF so far at Hinkley Point in Somerset is overspend and delay."

He added: "The money being spent on this nuclear gamble would be far better spent on insulating and retrofitting millions of homes, bringing down energy bills and keeping people warmer and more comfortable."

For context: Sizewell C was initially proposed by French energy company EDF and China General Nuclear Power Group. However, in 2022 the Conservative government bought out the Chinese company, and the state now owns 83.5% of the project alongside EDF.

By the numbers: Britain's nuclear power sector expanded by 25% in 2024 to £20bn compared with three years ago, supported by a record workforce that increased by a third. About 87,000 people now work in the industry, with growth largely driven by new nuclear projects at Sizewell C and Hinkley Point C in Somerset.

The bottom line: After 15 years of proposals and political changes, Sizewell C has secured the government backing needed to proceed, representing one of the largest infrastructure investments in Suffolk's history.