The government has agreed to develop the new Sizewell C nuclear power plant in Suffolk.
It is expected that Sizewell C will generate enough low-carbon electricity to power six million homes and the multibillion-pound investment in nuclear power will insulate the UK from fluctuating energy prices.
The site development application was submitted by NNB Nuclear Generation to the Planning Ombudsman in May 2020 and was accepted for inspection the following month.
The inspector general’s chief executive officer, Sarah Richards, said that the inspection took place during COVID-19 restrictions but that efforts were made to ensure locals, local authorities and stakeholders Other minds can participate.
She added: “The Verification Authority listened to and fully considered the local views and evidence gathered during the examination before making a recommendation.”
But Greenpeace UK chief scientist Dr Doug Parr said Sizewell C “represents all that has gone wrong in terms of energy policy”.
“The contrast between the dynamism, cost-cutting and innovative technologies in the renewable energy sector and the lame gargantuanness of new nuclear power could hardly be more striking,” he said.
“Sizewell C represents all that is wrong about energy policy.
“A struggling nuclear company – from reactor failures to nationalization – is reaching an agreement to sew behind closed doors, resulting in additional costs on energy bills. , unmanageable waste for future generations and an expensive white elephant project It’s trash an important nature reserve is an unwanted bonus.
“Instead of 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 country.” our energy system.
“Whatever else is going on in UK politics at the moment, there is no sign of a fresh start here.”
March, the government announced a plan to hold 20% of the shares in Sizewell C and French power giant EDF will also take a 20% stake in the delayed £20 billion project.
