Government backs Sizewell C in Autumn Statement

He confirmed that the power station will create ‘10,000 highly skilled jobs and provide reliable, low carbon power to the equivalent of six million homes’ for at least 50 years, helping to free the UK from its dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets.

“Last year year nearly 40 per cent of our electricity came from offshore wind, solar and other renewable sources,” said chancellor Jeremy Hunt.

“Since 2010, our renewable energy production grew faster than any other large country in Europe. We need to go further, with a major acceleration of home-grown technologies like offshore wind, carbon capture and storage, and, above all, nuclear.”

Hunt said that contracts for the initial investment will be signed with relevant parties, including EDF, in the coming weeks subject to final government approvals.

In response to the chancellor’s statement, a spokesperson from Sizewell C said: “We are delighted the government has reaffirmed its commitment to Sizewell C and look forward to concluding negotiations in the coming weeks.