The government has given consent for the development of the new Sizewell C nuclear power plant in Suffolk.
Sizewell C is expected to generate enough low-carbon electricity to supply six million homes, and the £ 1bn investment in nuclear power will isolate the UK from volatile energy prices.
Carly Vince, Sizewell C’s director of planning, said she was “delighted” with the news, adding, “Sizewell C will be good for the region, creating thousands of opportunities for local people and businesses. local biodiversity and will leave a legacy. Suffolk can be proud. “
He also promised to “work closely” with local residents, local authorities and environmental groups “to make sure we minimize the impacts of construction and maximize great opportunities for the area.”
The application to develop the site was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate by NNB Nuclear Generation in May 2020 and accepted for examination the following month.
Inspection Executive Director Sarah Richards said the review took place during COVID-19 restrictions, but that efforts had been made to ensure that all stakeholders could participate.
But a spokesman for Stop Sizewell C campaign group said: “The wrong decision has been made, but it is not the end of our campaign.
“Not only will we look closely at the appeal of this decision, but we will continue to challenge all aspects of Sizewell C, because, whether it’s the impact on consumers, the massive costs and delays, the pending technical issues or the environmental impacts, it is still a bad project and a very bad risk ”.
In March, the government announced it planned to take a 20% stake in Sizewell C and the French electricity giant EDF would also take a 20% stake in the £ 20bn overdue project.
Discussions continue with the government on funding, with a financial investment decision scheduled for 2023.
The unions are calling for the project to go ahead.
Charlotte Childs, GMB national official, said: “Sizewell C is essential to meeting our energy challenges. This is a vital step forward for energy security and clean zero.
“The UK’s nuclear program has been delayed too many times due to policy decisions. We need more investment in nuclear to secure good jobs for the future.”
Prospect union chief deputy general secretary Sue Ferns said: “We now need the government to advance its investment decision as a matter of urgency so that the project can move forward.
“This week’s extreme temperatures have shown that we cannot afford to delay the decarbonisation of our energy supply.”
But Greenpeace UK chief scientist Dr Doug Parr said Sizewell C “represents everything that has gone wrong about energy policy”.
He said: “The contrast between dynamic, cost-cutting and innovative technologies in the renewables sector and the limping giants of new nuclear power could hardly be more striking.
“Sizewell C represents all that is wrong about energy policy.
“A nuclear company, full of problems, from failed reactors to having to be nationalized, is reaching a closed – door agreement that entails additional costs on energy bills, unmanageable waste for future generations and an expensive project. white elephant.This is devastating.an important nature reserve is an unwanted bonus.
“Instead of wasting time and money on this energy solution, the government should do everything it can to make the cheapest, cleanest and most reliable renewables the backbone of our energy system.
“Anything else that is happening in UK politics right now, there are no signs of a fresh start here.”