UK govt restarts talks with EDF on £20bn Sizewell C nuclear plant

The UK government said it was restarting talks with EDF on its plan to build a £20bn nuclear reactor at Sizewell C in Suffolk, including the possibility of taking a direct financial stake in its construction.

In a statement, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills said it would consider a greater role in the project provided there was “clear value for money for consumers and taxpayers”.

Negotiations on the reactor have been paused over cost concerns and the involvement of China General Nuclear Power (CGN) which holds a 20% stake in the project.

CGN is reportedly considering backing out of the project, which would leave a financing gap for EDF if the UK government is unwilling to help pay for the construction costs.

The Sizewell C site could generate 3.2 gigawatts of electricity, enough to provide 7% of UK energy needs.