EDF’s commitment to a 12.5% stake in the Sizewell C nuclear power project marks a significant stride in Britain’s energy landscape. This investment, coupled with the UK Government’s £14.2bn pledge, unlocks a wave of job creation and propels the nation toward energy independence and a low-carbon future.
The project, situated on the Suffolk coast, is poised to deliver reliable, low-carbon electricity to millions of homes, driving the UK’s most ambitious nuclear expansion in decades. Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the investment, stating, “I’ve been clear there will be no more dithering and delay on Sizewell C – and this investment takes us a step closer to the benefits it will bring to the British people. Lower energy bills, thousands more jobs and apprenticeships, and better energy security – this is not only a vote of confidence in the UK as an investment destination, it is our Plan for Change in action.”
At peak construction, Sizewell C will support around 10,000 jobs across the UK, with thousands more expected throughout the supply chain. The project will also create 1,500 apprenticeships, fostering a skilled workforce for the future of clean energy. French engineering firm Assystem’s plans to double its UK workforce, adding 1,000 roles by 2030, further underscores the project’s economic impact.
The investment’s timing is strategic, preceding the UK–France Summit where Prime Minister Starmer and President Emmanuel Macron will strengthen cooperation on energy, defence, and economic growth. The announcement highlights growing UK–France collaboration in nuclear development and green innovation. British uranium enrichment company Urenco’s 15-year supply deal with EDF to fuel nuclear stations across Europe, supporting over 1,400 UK jobs and contributing over £250m to the economy in 2023, exemplifies this alliance.
Sizewell C is backed by an innovative financing model that blends contributions from taxpayers, consumers, and private investors, reducing upfront costs and spreading financial risk. France’s export credit agency, Bpifrance, is providing a £5bn debt guarantee, enabling support from leading commercial banks. The UK Government will maintain oversight to ensure timely delivery and strong governance. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband added, “Thousands of jobs and clean power for millions of homes are one step closer today as we welcome this investment into Sizewell C. This agreement is a landmark moment in the UK and France’s long-standing partnership in civil nuclear, and a testament to our countries’ strong relationship.”
Sizewell C is not just a power station; it’s the centrepiece of a modern, resilient, and sustainable energy system for Britain’s future. With Sizewell C, Hinkley Point C, and a pipeline of small modular reactors (SMRs) due online in the 2030s, the UK is entering what officials call a ‘golden age’ of nuclear power. This clean energy surge is expected to supply more new nuclear capacity than the previous half-century combined, cutting emissions, boosting energy security, and lowering long-term bills.
This development could reshape the UK’s energy sector, fostering international collaboration, and setting a precedent for innovative financing models in large-scale infrastructure projects. The focus on job creation and skills development highlights the potential for nuclear projects to drive economic growth and support the transition to a low-carbon economy. As the UK and France strengthen their energy alliance, the implications for global nuclear development and green innovation could be profound, sparking debate and challenging norms in the sector.