Rachel Reeves has given Sizewell C the green light.
Labour has confirmed a £14.2 billion investment in the Sizewell C nuclear plant, which marks a major moment for the country’s energy security and economic growth.
The Chancellor will unveil the commitment at the GMB Congress later ahead of the Spending Review on Wednesday, as ministers double down on nuclear as a cornerstone of the net zero and energy resilience strategy.
Energy Security Ed Miliband is hailing the start of a “golden age” for UK nuclear, ending decades of stalling on new projects.
The investment is expected to create 10,000 jobs, including 1,500 apprenticeships, and support thousands more across the UK.
Sizewell C has already awarded £330 million in contracts to local firms, with around 70% of the total contract value forecast to go to British suppliers.
The project will benefit sectors from construction and welding to catering and logistics.
Once operational, Sizewell C will generate enough low-carbon electricity to power the equivalent of 6 million homes, boosting domestic energy production and reducing reliance on volatile global fossil fuel markets.
The plant forms part of a broader government strategy to ramp up nuclear capacity. Alongside Sizewell C, ministers are expected to confirm funding for one of Europe’s first Small Modular Reactor (SMR) programmes.
The move is backed by record levels of public investment in fusion energy R&D – over £2.5 billion across five years – making this the most ambitious UK nuclear build-out in a generation.
Ministers say the programme will not only enhance energy security but also play a central role in delivering long-term economic benefits.
With a pipeline of opportunities for industry and a boost for regional economies, Sizewell C is positioned as a key pillar in the country’s clean energy transition.
Officials say the funding signals the end of “dithering and delay” over nuclear and marks a decisive shift towards clean, homegrown energy.
By building a strong domestic energy base, Labour says it aims to shield households from international price shocks and deliver long-term affordability.
