During French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to the UK in July 2025, EDF revealed plans to invest £1.1 billion in the Sizewell C nuclear power plant in Suffolk. Consequently, EDF will hold a 12.5% stake in the project, while the UK government retains majority ownership thanks to its previously announced £14.2 billion investment. Although EDF’s share has fallen from 16.2% at the end of the prior year, the move still fits within the company’s earlier guidance to maintain between 10% and 19.99% ownership. The investment highlights a shared commitment to clean energy and underscores diplomatic efforts to reinforce cooperation between France and the UK after Brexit.
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Job Creation and Potential Investors
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the news, calling it a powerful step toward reducing energy bills and improving energy security. Similarly, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband described the investment as the beginning of a “golden age of new nuclear,” emphasizing the potential benefits for family finances and national infrastructure. In addition, Canadian investment giant Brookfield is reportedly in discussions to secure a stake exceeding 20%, which would make it the largest private shareholder after the UK government. Centrica, the owner of British Gas, could purchase an approximately 15% share. Altogether, the Sizewell C project is expected to support around 10,000 jobs during peak construction and create 1,500 apprenticeships, providing a significant boost to the local and national economy.
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Concerns Over Costs and Dependencies
However, despite these positive projections, environmental groups have expressed skepticism about the project’s costs and impact. For example, Alison Downes from the campaign group Stop Sizewell C criticized EDF’s relatively small stake, arguing that depending on French-made components could undermine UK energy security. Some analysts have raised concerns over the estimated price tag, which could range between £20 billion and £40 billion depending on how investor participation evolves. Although EDF is contributing valuable technical expertise and equipment, its financial commitment remains smaller than originally expected.
A Site Rich in Nuclear History
Interestingly, Sizewell C is more than just a new development, it is part of Suffolk’s long-standing nuclear tradition. The site follows Sizewell B and is only the second major nuclear plant to be built in Britain since Hinkley Point C. Although Hinkley has faced years of delays and spiraling costs, initially forecast at £18 billion but now projected to reach £35 billion, Sizewell C represents renewed hope for modern, large-scale nuclear power. EDF’s experience with EPR reactor technology demonstrates how French engineering continues to shape the UK’s energy landscape. Ultimately, this ambitious project combines historical expertise, international collaboration, and the promise of cleaner energy for future generations.
Sizewell C Nuclear Plant Project Overview
£1.1 billion EDF investment: EDF will take a 12.5% equity stake in Sizewell C, announced during President Macron’s state visit on July 8, 2025
UK government majority financing: The UK has committed around £14.2 billion (latest reports even mention £17.8 billion total) to maintain majority control
Project value up to £40 billion: Total cost estimates range between £20 billion and £40 billion, depending on final investor mix
Significant employment boost: Expected to support approximately 10,000 jobs at peak construction, including about 1,500 apprenticeships
Brookfield poised to invest >20%: Brookfield Asset Management is in discussions to become the largest private investor after the UK government
Centrica considering 15% stake: Centrica (British Gas owner) is in talks for a 15% share, backed by guaranteed returns under a regulated model
EDF’s stake reduced: EDF’s ownership declines from 16.2% to 12.5%, fitting within its stated range of 10–19.99%
Second new UK nuclear in decades: Sizewell C will be Britain’s second major nuclear project, following Hinkley Point C
EPR reactor design from EDF: The plant will use EDF’s EPR reactor technology, with EDF supplying design and key components
Criticism from campaigners: Environmental groups and analysts warn over high costs, consumer bill impacts, and reliance on foreign suppliers
