Rachel Reeves pledges £14.2bn for Sizewell C, sparking a “new era of nuclear power” in the UK. Discover how this major investment boosts energy security, creates jobs, and drives Britain’s net-zero future.

LONDON, UK – In a landmark announcement set to redefine Britain’s energy landscape, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed a colossal £14.2 billion investment into the Sizewell C nuclear power plant, pledging a “new era of nuclear power” for the United Kingdom. The move, unveiled on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, signals a decisive shift in government policy towards bolstering energy security, achieving net-zero targets, and fostering a robust domestic power supply.

Speaking at the GMB union congress, Reeves underscored the critical importance of nuclear energy in a volatile global climate. “The UK is back where it belongs, taking the lead in the technologies of tomorrow,” she declared, highlighting Sizewell C as the first directly state-funded nuclear power station since 1988. This substantial commitment builds upon £3.7 billion already allocated to the project, bringing the total government backing to £17.9 billion, although critics, including the Stop Sizewell C campaign group, continue to raise concerns about the project’s ultimate cost, which they estimate could reach £40 billion.

Sizewell C: A Cornerstone of UK Energy Independence

The Sizewell C plant, situated in Suffolk, is envisioned as a cornerstone of the UK’s future energy independence. Once operational in the 2030s, it is projected to generate enough clean electricity to power the equivalent of six million homes, significantly reducing the nation’s reliance on imported fossil fuels and exposure to volatile global energy markets.

The project is a replication of the Hinkley Point C design, currently under construction in Somerset, with the aim of benefiting from lessons learned and achieving faster, more cost-effective development. Sizewell C’s joint managing directors, Julia Pyke and Nigel Cann, hailed the announcement as the “start of an exciting new chapter,” emphasizing its role as the UK’s first British-owned nuclear power plant in over three decades.

Jobs, Skills, and a Green Future

Beyond energy generation, the investment is poised to deliver a significant economic boost. The Treasury anticipates the project will create 10,000 jobs, including 1,500 apprenticeships, at the peak of its construction phase. This influx of skilled work is eagerly welcomed by trade unions, who see nuclear power as essential for clean, affordable, and reliable energy, and crucial for securing a greener future for the country’s energy sector.

The government’s renewed commitment to nuclear power extends beyond Sizewell C. Alongside the large-scale plant, Rolls-Royce SMR has been named the preferred bidder for a new small modular reactor (SMR) programme, backed by an additional £2.5 billion in taxpayer funding. SMRs are touted as being quicker and cheaper to build than traditional plants, with the potential for connection to the grid by the mid-2030s. This dual approach to nuclear development, encompassing both large-scale and modular reactors, aims to diversify and strengthen the UK’s nuclear capacity.

Addressing the Net-Zero Challenge

This bold step aligns with the UK’s ambitious target to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and decarbonise its electricity generation by 2035. Nuclear power offers a reliable, low-carbon baseload electricity source that can complement intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar, providing stability to the national grid. The government aims for up to 24 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2050, potentially supplying approximately 25% of the UK’s projected electricity needs.

While the announcement has been largely welcomed by industry and unions as a vital step towards energy security and climate goals, it has also faced scrutiny from environmental groups concerned about the project’s long-term costs and environmental impact. Nevertheless, the government’s steadfast commitment signals a clear strategic direction, positioning nuclear power at the heart of Britain’s future energy mix as it strives for a cleaner, more secure, and independent energy future.

Source: BBC, The Independent