Groundwork for the planned Sizewell C nuclear power station on the Suffolk coast started more than a year ago – and it has signed around 300 contracts with suppliers at a total value of £2.5bn – but has yet to get Treasury sign-off.
The Unite union, which represents workers in construction, energy and engineering, says the government should stop delaying and approve the necessary funding.
Cost estimates for the project range from £20bn to £40bn.
The government’s Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) holds the majority stake in Sizewell C, with EDF Energy holding a minority stake in the project.
Sizewell C would create up to 10,000 jobs and its twin reactors would generate 3.2 GW of electricity, which is expected to be sufficient to meet 7% of the UK’s energy needs for at least 60 years.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Sizewell C is not only essential for our energy security and in order to meet the government’s net zero targets but also for UK jobs and skills. So, it is unbelievable that we are still waiting for confirmation that it will definitely go ahead.
“The government now needs to stop dancing around its handbag and commit to this project, ensuring that it will deliver skilled, well-paid and unionised jobs from day one.”
Unite has previously welcomed the government’s nuclear plans, as these will ensure energy resilience, drive forward industrial growth, and provide high-quality employment opportunities.
Unite national officer for construction Jason Poulter said: “The government has talked about how important nuclear power is for the future in terms of the economy. Now it’s time for them to put their money where their mouth is and make a final commitment to investing in Sizewell C.
“Training younger workers will give them skills that will support UK infrastructure development for the next 40 years. This project will help close the skills gap which is particularly acute in sectors such as construction.”
As well as Sizewell C and the Hinkley Point C power station which is currently being built, Unite is also calling on the government to provide funding at existing nuclear sites, including allowing for continuing research and developments and the building of small modular reactors (SMRs).
Unite has thousands of members working on site at Hinkley Point C and also has increasing membership among the enabling works at Sizewell C, who are ensuring the site will be ready for subsequent building works once the project is formally approved.
Among major contracts already awarded to support Sizewell C are the appointments of
Galliford Try to construct a new 6.5km Sizewell link road and a new 1.8km bypass of two villages, and to Breheny Civil Engineering to build two new connecting roundabouts on the A12.
Sizewell C secured planning permission – via a development consent order – in July 2022, nearly three years ago.