Britain reinforces its long-term nuclear strategy by extending Sizewell B's operation
Millions of households and businesses will continue benefitting from homegrown, clean power as the government backs a 20-year lifetime extension of Sizewell B nuclear power plant, supporting 900 skilled jobs as part of a new ‘golden age’ of nuclear, the UK Government announced in a press release.
Consumers are set to benefit for decades to come, as the extended operation of Sizewell B nuclear power plant in UK “will reduce the costs of Britain’s energy system compared to building alternative generation, protecting billpayers and strengthening our energy security”, according to the UK Government..
The country has nine nuclear power plants in operation that produce 10.7% of the electricity. Currently, Sizewell B provides approximately 3% of the UK’s total electricity needs. “The extension of the plant will maintain a vital source of energy for Britain, powering 2.5 million homes and protecting billpayers from exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets through secure, reliable, clean power”, acording to the nuclear association of the country.
Sizewell B provides approximately 3% of the UK’s total electricity needs
Long term operation from 2035 to 2055
The pressurised water reactor Sizewell B, which came online in 1995, had an initial 40-year operating life to 2035. The government and EDF have agreed terms for a 20-year Contract for Difference at £70.50 per megawatt in 2025 prices starting from 2035, the original closure date, with support and investment from Centrica.
Skilled workers in nuclear will be retained through the continued operation of Sizewell B, helping to sustain Britain’s expertise and strengthening homegrown supply chains. The Nuclear Industry Association estimates that nearly 100,000 people are employed in nuclear jobs across the country.
According to NIA, nearly 100,000 people are employed in nuclear jobs across the country
Statements. Nuclear power is vital
Alongside the extension of Sizewell B, the government is continuing to back nuclear projects across the UK, including Britain’s first Small Modular Reactors in Anglesey, and the construction of Sizewell C, set to produce clean power for the equivalent of 6 million homes and support 10,000 jobs at peak construction.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “Nuclear power is vital for our energy security, and this extension will help produce the clean power our country needs.” For its part, Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear Lord Vallance said: “This deal protects billpayers and boosts the country’s energy security by continuing to provide clean, secure power for millions of households. By backing Sizewell B, we are delivering a golden age of nuclear and maintaining 900 skilled jobs in Suffolk.”
CEO of EDF UK: “Extending the life of the plants we already have alongside building new ones is central to EDF’s strategy”
Simone Rossi, CEO of EDF UK, stated: “Global events demonstrate time and again how vital it is for the UK to secure long term, low-carbon, homegrown electricity which protects British households and businesses from market volatility. Extending the life of the plants we already have alongside building new ones is central to EDF’s strategy.”
Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the UK’s Nuclear Industry Association, said: "Sizewell B is the cleanest, most productive and most reliable plant in the whole country, so extending its life is one of the best things we can do to build an affordable and reliable clean power system. It will provide the vital baseload we need to stabilise the grid, cut gas imports, and cut bills."
Cover image: EDF
