Recruiting now
Credit: Sizewell C / EDF
The UK is to step up its development of nuclear power under plans to boost the country's long term energy security while delivering thousands of jobs and cheaper bills.
The government plans to reduce the UK's reliance on oil and gas by building as many as eight new nuclear reactors, including two at Sizewell in Suffolk, with one being approved each year until 2030.
A new body called Great British Nuclear will oversee the delivery of the new plants, with the hope that by 2050 up to 24 GW of electricity will come from that source - 25% of the projected electricity demand.
Boris Johnson said the "bold plans" would see Britain "scale up and accelerate affordable, clean and secure energy made in Britain, for Britain - from new nuclear to offshore wind - in the decade ahead".
"This will reduce our dependence on power sources exposed to volatile international prices we cannot control, so we can enjoy greater energy self-sufficiency with cheaper bills," the prime minister said.
The focus on nuclear would build on the development of Hinkley Point C in Somerset, currently under construction, and talks to develop Sizewell C in Suffolk - between them set to generate 6.5GW of power.
The government said it would work to kick off a series of projects as soon as possible, including at Wylfa in Anglesey.
Tom Greatrex, boss of the Nuclear Industry Association, said the plans marked a "vital step forward" for the UK to meet its climate goals, and could create thousands of jobs.
"The ambition and determination to do much more and quicker is very welcome," he said.
Business and Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: "We need to protect ourselves from price spikes in the future by accelerating our move towards cleaner, cheaper, home-grown energy.
"The simple truth is that the more cheap, clean power we generate within our borders, the less exposed we will be to eye watering fossil fuel prices set by global markets we can't control.
"Scaling up cheap renewables and new nuclear, while maximising North Sea production, is the best and only way to ensure our energy independence over the coming years."
Research from Ernst & Young, commissioned by the Sizewell C Consortium, says construction of the plant will attract 73,000 jobs.
A statement from EDF welcomed the news “The role of nuclear in the energy security strategy is a welcome indication of government intent, that Sizewell C is ready to deliver on. As the next proposed nuclear power station, Sizewell C will build upon the heritage of Sizewell B and the nuclear renaissance underway at Hinkley Point C to support the UK’s energy security and climate ambitions. This combined with the project underway to extend the life of Sizewell B by 20 years will provide reliable, low-carbon power to millions of homes for decades to come.
“The commitment to nuclear in the government’s strategy complements the Nuclear Energy Financing Act that recently passed through parliament, providing a financing model for future nuclear new build in the UK. More nuclear on the system will lower consumer bills in the long term and as Sizewell C is a near replica of Hinkley Point C it will drive down construction costs. “
Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson, Managing Director of Sizewell C said:
“At a time when energy security and decarbonisation are top of mind, the government’s prioritisation of nuclear as a bridge between both is to be welcomed. Sizewell C is ready to help meet this ambition. A fleet approach to gigawatt nuclear, including further builds after Sizewell C, will enable the benefits of replication to be realised – ensuring an enhanced UK supply chain and skills, and efficiencies and greater speed in deployment.”