Approval granted for nuclear power plant capable of supplying electricity to 6 million homes, receiving financial backing of $51 billion in the United Kingdom.
The Sizewell C nuclear power plant project in the UK has officially reached its Final Investment Decision (FID) as of late July 2025, marking a significant milestone in the country's quest for clean energy. This decision paves the way for the construction of the plant, which is set to be the biggest British clean energy investment in a generation.
With an estimated capital cost of around £38 billion (approximately $51 billion), the Sizewell C project is expected to generate 3.2 GW of electricity, enough to power approximately 6 million homes for at least 60 years.
The project's ownership is a mix of public and private entities. The UK Government holds the largest stake of 44.9%, providing significant oversight and limiting potential delays. The Canadian pension fund La Caisse follows closely with a 20% stake. British energy company Centrica, owner of British Gas, holds a 15% stake, while Amber Infrastructure, an investment manager, initially holds about 7.6%. The French energy giant EDF takes a 12.5% stake in the project.
Other reported investors include Canada's Brookfield Corporation, which owns 51% of Westinghouse, with a stake reportedly above 20% at one point. However, the final share details have been confirmed mainly around the entities mentioned above at the FID.
The project financing uses the UK's Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model, a first for nuclear projects in the UK. This model combines public investment and private capital, aiming to reduce risks and costs and incentivize early and cost-effective delivery.
Construction is expected to proceed, leveraging lessons learned from the sister plant Hinkley Point C, potentially shortening timelines. However, the plant is not expected to begin electricity generation until the 2030s.
The Sizewell C project is set to support 10,000 jobs directly employed in the project, and many more in the nationwide supply chain. The UK government will hold a 44.9% stake in the project initially.
The Sizewell C project is expected to deliver electricity system savings of $2.7 billion (£2 billion) a year on average once operational. The average impact on consumer bills is limited to around £1 per month over the duration of Sizewell C's construction.
The project aims to substantially cut the country's dependence on fossil fuels for at least six decades. It will replicate the design and operation of the Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant and will see 3,500 UK-based companies as part of the supply chain. The government aims to award 70% of the value of the construction to British businesses.
The Sizewell C project emerges as the single biggest equity shareholder in the project for the UK government. It is a major step forward in the delivery of a new 'golden age' of nuclear under the UK government's Plan for Change.
The Sizewell C project, with significant investments from various entities such as the UK Government, La Caisse, Centrica, Amber Infrastructure, and EDF, among others, is anticipated to drive innovation and advancement within the science and energy sectors, given its utilization of the Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model and potential economic benefits like job creation and system savings. Financed predominantly by a mix of public and private entities, the project will contribute to the finance industry by providing long-term returns and fostering growth within the UK industry.
