Millions of families will be better protected from future
volatility in global energy prices, as the government accelerates
planning and regulatory approvals for two major clean energy
projects.
With the conflict in the Middle East driving instability across
global fuel markets, the government is taking action to
strengthen Britain's long-term energy independence and deliver
clean homegrown power by appointing a Lead Environmental
Regulator for Sizewell C and Lighthouse Green Fuels.
The Environment Agency will take the helm as Lead Environmental
Regulator, acting as a single point of contact to coordinate
streamlined, joined-up advice. This will cut costs and minimise
delays, without compromising environmental standards.
Sizewell C will supply six million homes with clean, British
nuclear energy – reducing reliance on foreign imports and
protecting families from future energy bill spikes. At the peak
of its construction, the multi-billion-pound project will provide
around 17,000 direct and indirect jobs, alongside 1,500
apprenticeships that will boost the economy.
Lighthouse Green Fuels is the first major refinery project in the
UK for decades and is set to become Europe's largest
second-generation sustainable aviation fuel plant, producing
enough fuel for 27,000 flights each year. The project will create
2,000 construction jobs in Teesside and support 3,400 supply
chain roles across the UK – establishing a new, green industry
and providing communities in some of Britain's industrial
heartlands better access to the well-paid jobs of the future.
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural
Affairs, said:
“We are taking back control of our energy supply to bring
stability for families and create skilled jobs for local people,
without compromising on environmental protections.
“Global shocks from conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East show
that relying on a volatile global fossil fuel market is simply
not sustainable for Britain. These measures are a win-win for
energy security, nature and for keeping bills down in the long
run.”
Environment Agency Chief
Executive Philip Duffy said:
“The Environment Agency's mission is to protect and enhance the
environment while supporting the sustainable growth that
communities and businesses need. Sizewell C and Lighthouse Green
Fuels are exactly the kind of clean energy projects where those
goals align.
“We are pleased to be able to play a key role
as Lead Environmental Regulator for both projects,
bringing the developers and regulators together to
prevent environmental damage and streamline approvals.”
Nuclear Minister said:
“We are steaming ahead with implementing the Nuclear Regulatory
Taskforce reforms, including assigning one lead regulator to get
nuclear energy projects built faster while ensuring good outcomes
for safety and nature.
“Only clean, homegrown power will deliver energy security and
bring down bills for good.”
Transforming Britain into a clean energy superpower is a
fundamental pillar of the government's Plan for Change. The
ongoing conflict in the Middle East underlines why this
government has the right plan on energy security. Every wind
turbine, solar panel and nuclear project gets us one step closer
to wrestling control of our energy supply away from foreign
dictators and the grip of conflict.
With the landmark Planning and Infrastructure Act now law, the
government is pressing ahead at pace to implement seismic changes
that will speed up approvals for major wind, solar, water and
nuclear projects. A new roadmap has been published to
confirm when each measure is switched on to make decisions on
nationally significant infrastructure projects faster, including
changes to slash a year off the pre-application consultation
period, which is expected to come into force in the coming
months.
As the conflict in the Middle East continues, this government is
doing everything it can to shield households from the economic
impact at home. Households will save an average of £117 on their
energy bills thanks to last's week fall in the price cap – and
remains at that level until the summer.
The measures set out in government's response to the Nuclear
Regulatory Review 2025, combined with the lead environmental
regulator model, will strengthen the overall regulatory framework
for the nuclear sector, meaning less bureaucracy, faster
decisions, and ultimately cheaper, cleaner energy for people
sooner.
