UK and French nuclear plant project a 'slap in the face', say critics

The UK government has announced an additional $1.9 billion in funding for the construction of the Sizewell C nuclear reactor project with French energy group EDF.

The extra investment takes the level of state funding for the project in eastern England in Suffolk to over $3.8 billion. It also follows the announcement earlier in January of plans to build another nuclear power station in addition to Sizewell C and Hinkley Point C, which is under construction in southwest England.

Environmental group Together Against Sizewell C (TASC) has slammed the extra money on what it called a "white elephant," claiming the main beneficiary would be heavily indebted, French state-controlled EDF.

TASC deputy chairman Pete Wilkinson said: "It is nothing short of a contemptuous slap in the face for the UK's cash-starved public services. Sizewell C remains a purely speculative project, lacking transparency on cost and value for money leaving bankrupt EDF the only winners, laughing all the way to the bank."

The government gave the green light in July 2022 to Sizewell C and announced in November the same year that it would take a 50 percent share in the project after the departure of original partner CGN of China.

The agreement meant China General Nuclear Power Group sold its 20 percent stake in the project after some British lawmakers raised concerns about its involvement in the country's nuclear industry.

A Chinese embassy spokesperson said the decision was respected, but added: "As a principle, we oppose any discriminatory practices against Chinese businesses. It is hoped that the UK side will provide a fair, just and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese companies in the UK."

Energy security has become a more pressing issue for the UK since the start of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022 and as the country looks to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. It wants to increase nuclear's share of the energy mix, as it does not emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Its use as an alternative to fossil fuels is highly controversial, however, with many environmental groups warning about safety risks and the disposal of nuclear waste.

Nuclear minister Andrew Bowie told the Financial Times recently that the UK was on track to conclude fundraising for Sizewell C before the end of the year. The business daily said the government had to raise $25.4 billion from outside investors.

The UK measures are hoped to quadruple the UK's nuclear power by 2050 to 24 gigawatts, enough to provide a quarter of the UK's electricity needs. EDF says Sizewell C will meet 7 percent of the UK's energy needs for at least 60 years.

"Nuclear is the perfect antidote to the energy challenges facing Britain – it's green, cheaper in the long-term and will ensure the UK's energy security," said UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. "This is the right long-term decision and is the next step in our commitment to nuclear power, which puts us on course to achieve net zero by 2050 in a measured and sustainable way."

The government said the proposals represented "the biggest expansion of nuclear power for 70 years," adding that it would "reduce electricity bills, support thousands of jobs and improve UK energy security."

The UK currently has nine operational nuclear reactors on five sites but many are nearing the end of their operating lives. Six reactors on three sites have been shut down since 2021 and will be dismantled.

However, operator EDF announced in March that it was extending the life of two British power plants - Heysham 1 and Hartlepool. The UK intends to build up to eight new reactors by 2050.

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