Plans submitted for new UK nuclear plant

Utilities company EDF Energy has made an application for a Development Consent Order (DCO) on a 3.2GW nuclear plant in Suffolk, on England’s south-east coast.

According to the company, the plant, Sizewell C, would generate enough electricity to power six million homes with low-carbon energy, reducing the UK’s need for energy imports.

The DCO has been deferred for two months, due to the coronavirus crisis, but if consent is given the facility will be a near replica of the Hinkley Point C plant currently under construction in Somerset, on England’s south-west coast.

EDF Energy says some 25,000 jobs could be created during the plant’s construction, along with 1,000 apprenticeships. Once operational, approximately 900 people will be employed in high-skilled positions.

Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson CBE, managing director, Sizewell C, said, “Sizewell C is a net zero infrastructure project ready to kick-start the economy following the coronavirus crisis. It will offer thousands of high-quality job opportunities and long-term employment for people living in Suffolk and it will strengthen the nuclear supply chain across the country.

“On top of the economic benefits, Sizewell C will avoid 9 million tonnes of CO2 being pumped into the atmosphere each year. The project will play a key role in lowering emissions while helping the UK keep control of its low carbon future.”

A short CGI flyover video, showing the proposed layout of the Sizewell C plant can be seen here.