The government has granted development consent for the new Sizewell C nuclear power station in Suffolk.
It is hoped that Sizewell C will generate enough low-carbon electricity to supply six million homes, and that the multi-billion pound investment in nuclear power will insulate the UK from volatile energy prices.
In March, the government announced it plans to take a 20% stake in Sizewell C and the French power giant EDF would also take a 20% share in the delayed £20bn project.
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.
The inspectorate’s chief executive, Sarah Richards, said that the examination took place during COVID-19 restrictions but that efforts had been made to make sure local people, local authorities and other interested parties were able to participate.
She added: “The examining authority listened and gave full consideration to local views and the evidence gathered during the examination before making its recommendation.”
But Greenpeace UK’s chief scientist, Dr Doug Parr, said Sizewell C “represents all that has been wrong about energy policy”.
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He said: “The contrast between dynamic, cost cutting and innovative technologies in the renewables sector and the limping behemoths of new nuclear power could barely be more striking.
“Sizewell C represents all that’s been wrong about energy policy.
“A nuclear company, saddled with problems – from failing reactors to having to be nationalised – is getting a stitched up deal behind closed doors leading to extra costs on energy bills, unmanageable waste for future generations and an expensive white elephant project. That it’s trashing an important nature reserve is an unwanted bonus.
“Rather than wasting time and money on this red herring energy solution, the government should throw everything at making cheaper, cleaner and more reliable renewables the backbone of our energy system.
“Whatever else is going on in UK politics at the moment, there’s no sign of a fresh start here.”
