- Sizewell B nuclear power station to
continue operating until 2055, powering millions
of homes with clean, homegrown energy and cutting costs
for consumers
- Government agreed terms with EDF to support 20year
life extension of Sizewell B
- Extension estimated to support
around 900 skilled nuclear jobs on site
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 station,
supporting 900 skilled jobs as part of a new golden age' of
nuclear.
Consumers are set to benefit for decades to come, as the extended
operation will reduce the costs of Britain's energy
system compared to building alternative generation,
protecting billpayers and strengthening our energy
security.
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.
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 said:
Nuclear power is vital for our energy security, and this
extension will help produce the clean power our country needs.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, , said:
Sizewell B is a vital part of Britain's energy future, and this
agreement secures clean, homegrown power for millions of homes
until 2055
It is also a real vote of confidence in the hundreds of skilled
workers in Suffolk who will power Britain's clean energy future,
delivering the long-term certainty that businesses and workers
need.
Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear 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.
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.
New estimates suggest that had Sizewell B
been operating under this agreement during
the energy price crisis following Russia's invasion of Ukraine,
consumers would have saved around £2 billion.
Simone Rossi, CEO of EDF UK, said:
Global eventsdemonstratetime and againhow vital it is for the UK
to secure long term, low-carbon,homegrownelectricitywhichprotects
British households and businessesfrom marketvolatility.Extending
the life of the plants we already have alongside building new
ones is central to EDF's strategy.
Chris O'Shea, Chief Executive of Centrica said:
I'm delighted that Sizewell B, in which Centrica owns a 20%
share, will continue to play a key role in the UK's energy system
for decades to come. Generating around 3% of the UK's
electricity, Sizewell B is critical to delivering the reliable,
zero-carbon baseload power that supports Britain's energy
security, protects skilled jobs and underpins a more
resilient economy. We welcome the constructive engagement
with government in reaching this agreement, providing the
certainty needed to support the required investment.
Notes to editor
While we have reached agreement on the Head of Terms, the final
deal will be subject to development of the long-form contract and
all regulatory approvals. This will be announced in due course.
Centrica, which owns a 20% stake in Sizewell B, has supported the
agreement and the investment required to enable the
station to operate through to 2055.
New estimates suggest that had Sizewell B been operating under
this agreement during the energy price crisis following Russia's
invasion of Ukraine, consumers would have saved around £2 billion
based on 2025 prices.
