UK government gives go-ahead to Sizewell C nuclear power plant

theguardian.com:

The UK government has given planning consent to the £20bn Sizewell C nuclear power plant in Suffolk.

The decision, which had been repeatedly delayed, was finally announced on Wednesday.

French energy company EDF wants to build the two reactor plant next to its existing site at Sizewell B, which began operating in 1995.

However, the proposals have faced fierce opposition from local campaigners, who have argued against the project because of the environmental impact andthe cost to energy billpayers. Campaigners now have six weeks to decide whether to appeal against the decision.

Planning permission was seen as a key hurdle for the project which remains subject to a further final investment decision, expected next year.

The approval process for Sizewell C has so far included four rounds of public consultation which began in 2012 and has involved more than 10,000 East Suffolk residents.

EDF worked with Chinese state-backed nuclear specialist CGN on the first phase of the project. However, it is understood the UK government is keen to ease CGN out amid concerns over Chinese involvement with sensitive assets.

Bankers at Barclays have been hired to secure new financial backing for the project alongside EDF and the UK government.

Boris Johnson’s government put £100m of funding behind the project in January to support its development.

Carly Vince, the project’s chief planning officer, said: “Sizewell C will be good for the region, creating thousands of opportunities for local people and businesses. It will boost local biodiversity and leave a legacy Suffolk can be proud of.”

Julia Pyke, the director of financing for Sizewell C, said: “Energy costs will be lower with nuclear in the mix, so today’s decision is good news for billpayers. The