Connection

popular articles

Benin: TGS launches seismic operations to boost offshore oil exploration
Turkey Launches Hydrocarbon Exploration Mission in Somalia
Canada Faces Climate Challenges: Hydropower Under Pressure
Snam acquires 24.99% of Open Grid Europe for €920mn to strengthen European foothold
LNG in Europe: Security and Challenges of Long-Term Contracts

Sizewell C Nuclear Project Advances Without Budget Overruns

The Sizewell C nuclear power plant project in the UK is progressing as planned, without delays or cost overruns. Project leaders presented an initial progress report to parliamentarians, highlighting significant financial and industrial advancements.
  • [favorite_button]

Please share:

The Sizewell C nuclear power plant, developed under EDF’s leadership and majority-owned by the UK government, has reached a key milestone with its first annual progress report presented to MPs. This report confirms that the project is adhering to its initial budget and timeline, a rare occurrence in the nuclear construction sector.

Progress Recognized by Independent Experts

According to an assessment commissioned by HSBC Bank and conducted by consultancy firm Enco, Sizewell C is one of the best-prepared nuclear projects in modern history. The independent study highlights rigorous project management, which minimizes the risks of cost overruns and delays, unlike other similar projects that have faced significant setbacks.

The project involves the construction of two European Pressurized Reactors (EPR) with a total capacity of 3.2 GW, sufficient to power approximately six million UK households for at least sixty years. The design is based on the Hinkley Point C plant, currently under construction in Somerset, with the goal of reducing costs and construction time by leveraging the experience gained from that project.

An Optimized Economic Model

Project leaders Julia Pyke and Nigel Cann emphasized that Sizewell C benefits from cost savings of around GBP 1 billion (USD 1.2 billion), made possible by applying innovations from Hinkley Point C. To date, contracts worth GBP 2.5 billion have been awarded to 290 UK-based companies.

The anticipated economic impact is substantial: the project is expected to create over 70,000 jobs nationwide and generate revenue for more than 2,000 UK suppliers. Estimates suggest that every GBP 1 invested during construction will yield GBP 2.92 in economic value, with a total impact exceeding GBP 100 billion over the plant’s operational lifespan.

A Growing Workforce

The construction site currently employs around 1,000 people, with a strong female representation. The executive team is composed of 60% women, and since 2021, the apprenticeship program has recruited an equal number of male and female trainees. Overall, women make up 40% of the current workforce.

Meanwhile, the project has secured additional financial support from the UK government, which allocated GBP 2.7 billion in the 2024 budget. The project is now awaiting a final investment decision, which will be determined in the upcoming national budget review.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Latest news

US-China tariff war disrupts China’s petrochemical market
Washington targets Chinese buyers of Iranian crude with new sanctions
Oil rises over 3% following trade agreement between Washington and London
The discovery of 96% natural hydrogen renews interest in Kansas subsurface
RWE completes 999 MW in energy projects across the US and expands presence

Recently published in

KHNP’s nuclear contract in Czech Republic suspended after legal action by EDF

Czech justice has suspended the signing of a major contract between Prague and South Korea’s KHNP, following a complaint by French group EDF challenging the fairness of the Dukovany nuclear project tender.
Utah Becomes the Regional Epicenter of American Small Modular Nuclear Reactors
Thanks to recent strategic agreements, Utah is establishing itself as a key regional hub for the development and production of Small Modular Reactors, boosting a rapidly growing industry at the heart of the United States.
en_1140290950540
Utah Becomes the Regional Epicenter of American Small Modular Nuclear Reactors
Thanks to recent strategic agreements, Utah is establishing itself as a key regional hub for the development and production of Small Modular Reactors, boosting a rapidly growing industry at the heart of the United States.
en_1140290950540
The United States expands nuclear and hydropower footprint in Eastern Europe
The United States is multiplying energy agreements with Romania and Bulgaria, focusing on civil nuclear power and hydropower storage to deepen its influence in strategic regional projects.
en_1140290953540
The United States expands nuclear and hydropower footprint in Eastern Europe
The United States is multiplying energy agreements with Romania and Bulgaria, focusing on civil nuclear power and hydropower storage to deepen its influence in strategic regional projects.
en_1140290953540
Energy Fuels sets uranium production record at Pinyon Plain mine
U.S.-based Energy Fuels extracted 151,400 pounds of uranium in April, reaching an unprecedented level since the opening of its Pinyon Plain mine, while underground drilling reveals exceptionally high grades.
en_1140290974540
Energy Fuels sets uranium production record at Pinyon Plain mine
U.S.-based Energy Fuels extracted 151,400 pounds of uranium in April, reaching an unprecedented level since the opening of its Pinyon Plain mine, while underground drilling reveals exceptionally high grades.
en_1140290974540

ASNR changes its publication practices following nuclear sector merger

The Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (ASNR) will now publish its decisions and expert reports simultaneously, amid a controversial merger of nuclear oversight bodies.
Bernard Fontana confirmed as head of EDF to lead nuclear revival
The French Parliament has approved Bernard Fontana's appointment as CEO of EDF, paving the way for a new industrial phase in the nuclear sector under close scrutiny from public and industrial stakeholders.
en_1140290946540-18
Bernard Fontana confirmed as head of EDF to lead nuclear revival
The French Parliament has approved Bernard Fontana's appointment as CEO of EDF, paving the way for a new industrial phase in the nuclear sector under close scrutiny from public and industrial stakeholders.
en_1140290946540-18
Westinghouse and Bechtel continue Polish nuclear project with new agreement
Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe signed a new agreement with the Westinghouse-Bechtel consortium to ensure the continuity of the development of Poland’s first nuclear power plant project.
en_1140290960540-16
Westinghouse and Bechtel continue Polish nuclear project with new agreement
Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe signed a new agreement with the Westinghouse-Bechtel consortium to ensure the continuity of the development of Poland’s first nuclear power plant project.
en_1140290960540-16
EDF faces £46bn financial burden on Hinkley Point nuclear project
Two French MPs have raised concerns over the massive cost overruns of the Hinkley Point nuclear project, describing it as a “financial sinkhole” for EDF, now fully owned by the State.
en_1140290943540-19
EDF faces £46bn financial burden on Hinkley Point nuclear project
Two French MPs have raised concerns over the massive cost overruns of the Hinkley Point nuclear project, describing it as a “financial sinkhole” for EDF, now fully owned by the State.
en_1140290943540-19

China Approves Ten New Nuclear Reactors, Marking Historic Major Investment

The Chinese State Council has just authorized the construction of ten new nuclear reactors across five strategic sites, highlighting a massive acceleration in energy ambitions to achieve record installed capacity by 2025.
Axpo reconnects unit 1 of Beznau nuclear power plant after refuelling
Axpo reconnected unit 1 of the Beznau nuclear power plant to the grid after two weeks of refuelling, marking the start of a new operating cycle for the Swiss facility.
en_1140290943540-18
Axpo reconnects unit 1 of Beznau nuclear power plant after refuelling
Axpo reconnected unit 1 of the Beznau nuclear power plant to the grid after two weeks of refuelling, marking the start of a new operating cycle for the Swiss facility.
en_1140290943540-18
Czech Republic rejects EDF’s appeal over Dukovany nuclear market
The Czech competition regulator has dismissed EDF’s appeal, confirming the selection of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power for the construction of new nuclear capacity at Dukovany.
en_1140290958540-14
Czech Republic rejects EDF’s appeal over Dukovany nuclear market
The Czech competition regulator has dismissed EDF’s appeal, confirming the selection of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power for the construction of new nuclear capacity at Dukovany.
en_1140290958540-14
Norway: company created to develop a 1500 MWe SMR plant
Trondheimsleia Kjernekraft AS was founded to lead a nuclear plant project based on several small modular reactors in the Trøndelag region, targeting up to 1500 MWe of installed capacity.
en_1140290960540-15
Norway: company created to develop a 1500 MWe SMR plant
Trondheimsleia Kjernekraft AS was founded to lead a nuclear plant project based on several small modular reactors in the Trøndelag region, targeting up to 1500 MWe of installed capacity.
en_1140290960540-15

Flamanville’s EPR briefly shut down before resuming power ramp-up

Flamanville’s EPR nuclear reactor experienced a temporary shutdown on Friday and Saturday, without affecting its ramp-up schedule, EDF confirmed.
Tepco extracts second radioactive debris sample from Fukushima
Japanese operator Tepco has completed the extraction of a second radioactive debris sample from the damaged Fukushima reactor, a critical technical step in a decommissioning project set to span several decades.
en_1140290946540-14
Tepco extracts second radioactive debris sample from Fukushima
Japanese operator Tepco has completed the extraction of a second radioactive debris sample from the damaged Fukushima reactor, a critical technical step in a decommissioning project set to span several decades.
en_1140290946540-14
enCore Energy accelerates Alta Mesa uranium project expansion with 32 operational wells
US-based enCore Energy continues to optimise its uranium project in Texas with a record installation rate and strengthened leadership team.
en_1140290958540-11
enCore Energy accelerates Alta Mesa uranium project expansion with 32 operational wells
US-based enCore Energy continues to optimise its uranium project in Texas with a record installation rate and strengthened leadership team.
en_1140290958540-11
Framatome strengthens CERCA unit to maintain nuclear fuel production
Framatome has commissioned a new facility in Romans-sur-Isère to secure long-term production of research reactor fuels and medical isotopes.
en_1140290943540-14
Framatome strengthens CERCA unit to maintain nuclear fuel production
Framatome has commissioned a new facility in Romans-sur-Isère to secure long-term production of research reactor fuels and medical isotopes.
en_1140290943540-14

Flamanville EPR reactor reconnected to grid two days ahead of schedule

EDF reconnected the Flamanville EPR nuclear reactor to the power grid on 19 April, two days ahead of schedule, following a series of technical maintenance works and adjustments on critical components.
TerraPower begins regulatory approval process for Natrium® reactor in the United Kingdom
TerraPower has informed the UK regulator of its intention to submit the Natrium reactor design for evaluation under the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process, the first step toward international deployment of this nuclear technology.
en_1140290946540-11
TerraPower begins regulatory approval process for Natrium® reactor in the United Kingdom
TerraPower has informed the UK regulator of its intention to submit the Natrium reactor design for evaluation under the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process, the first step toward international deployment of this nuclear technology.
en_1140290946540-11
Framatome and Sizewell C sign contract for EPR reactor instrumentation
Framatome and Sizewell C have signed a contract for the supply, qualification, and pre-assembly of conventional instrumentation for the EPR reactors under construction at Sizewell, strengthening their collaboration on this large-scale project.
en_1140290963540-7
Framatome and Sizewell C sign contract for EPR reactor instrumentation
Framatome and Sizewell C have signed a contract for the supply, qualification, and pre-assembly of conventional instrumentation for the EPR reactors under construction at Sizewell, strengthening their collaboration on this large-scale project.
en_1140290963540-7
Auxiliary works begin for modular nuclear project in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan has launched the construction of auxiliary buildings for its future modular nuclear reactor, the first export project for the Russian RITM-200N technology.
en_1140290963540-6
Auxiliary works begin for modular nuclear project in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan has launched the construction of auxiliary buildings for its future modular nuclear reactor, the first export project for the Russian RITM-200N technology.
en_1140290963540-6

EDF delays Flamanville EPR restart for the fourth time

The restart of the Flamanville EPR reactor, initially scheduled for 17 April, has now been postponed to 21 April following extended maintenance operations, according to a statement from Électricité de France.
EDF extends shutdown of Flamanville EPR due to additional maintenance operations
EDF announced on April 10 the extension of the shutdown of the Flamanville EPR nuclear reactor, initially scheduled to restart on April 12, due to new maintenance operations within its nuclear zone.
en_1140290969540-3
EDF extends shutdown of Flamanville EPR due to additional maintenance operations
EDF announced on April 10 the extension of the shutdown of the Flamanville EPR nuclear reactor, initially scheduled to restart on April 12, due to new maintenance operations within its nuclear zone.
en_1140290969540-3
France: a fact-finding mission launched on nuclear electricity pricing
The French National Assembly has launched a mission to analyse nuclear pricing and anticipate the effects of the 2026 tariff reform amid heightened tensions over energy costs.
en_1140290949540-7
France: a fact-finding mission launched on nuclear electricity pricing
The French National Assembly has launched a mission to analyse nuclear pricing and anticipate the effects of the 2026 tariff reform amid heightened tensions over energy costs.
en_1140290949540-7
GE Hitachi and Rolls-Royce SMR submit final offer in UK SMR selection process
GE Hitachi and Rolls-Royce SMR have submitted their final offer as part of the modular reactor selection process led by Great British Nuclear in the United Kingdom.
en_1140290952540-6
GE Hitachi and Rolls-Royce SMR submit final offer in UK SMR selection process
GE Hitachi and Rolls-Royce SMR have submitted their final offer as part of the modular reactor selection process led by Great British Nuclear in the United Kingdom.
en_1140290952540-6

Advertising

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

VERVANT

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS