Suffolk protest groups Stop Sizewell C and Together Against Sizewell C welcome nuclear plant review plans

Sizewell C protest groups have welcomed the news that the Suffolk power plant is under review as the Government looks to cut costs.

Stop Sizewell C and Together Against Sizewell C, groups who oppose the construction of the nuclear plant, which could cost in excess of £20b, have said it is absolutely right the feasibility of the project is being considered.

This follows reports the Government would be looking into the project this morning.

While proponents noted the plant would be essential in helping the UK reach net-zero emissions, detractors have stated the time investment, and the funds involved, would be better spent on renewable energy.

Alison Downes, from Stop Sizewell C, said: "It is absolutely right for the Government to review the project.

"The Government is supposed to make eye-watering decisions, and Sizewell C is eye-wateringly expensive.

"The plant will offer short-term pain through energy bill spikes, and long-term pain through uncertainty over costs and time.

"There is no way Sizewell C offers the hard-stretched public purse value for money. Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Hunt should invest in a major energy efficiency drive that would create many thousands of green jobs, and within a very few years deliver real savings on household bills instead of increasing them through the nuclear stealth tax."

Sizewell C is not expected to begin generating electricity until the 2030s.

Chris Wilson from Together Against Sizewell C also welcomed the news.

He noted the organisation had been writing to the chancellor to recommend the Government cancel the project altogether.

The group said the project is not needed, not wanted, and could pose risks to the area, and that it makes sense that authorities do not go through with the project.

There are also fears the Government putting all their eggs into one basket could make energy grids more vulnerable.

Mr Wilson said: "Renewables are far quicker to deploy and require far less upfront cost, while also offering greater energy security.

"One single, large plant presents a threat from malicious attack, whereas it is far more difficult to bring down a grid when wind farms are scattered across the county.

"Removing the plant from the equation will also make it easier and cheaper for energy grids to be upgraded."

He stated the project not going ahead would provide a boon to the area.

The heritage coast is being dug up, there is little information on flood prevention in the area, and the coast could change significantly in its planned 60 year life-cycle, while nuclear waste could be present for centuries, he added.

It also poses a risk to local fish populations.

Mr Wilson added: "It has always been recommended that Sizewell C not be approved.

"The risks associated with the project are too great, and there are other, unseen environmental costs.

"This includes the fact 2.2 million litres of drinking water will be needed during its lifespan – Suffolk is already among the driest counties, and this could wreak havoc on sustainable water sources in the future."