The nuclear project Sizewell C has moved a step closer to realisation with a new licence.
- The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has granted a nuclear site licence for Sizewell C in Suffolk.
- Initial refusal of the licence was due to financial and legal issues, not technical ones.
- Concerns remain over unresolved technical issues, despite the licence being granted.
- Campaigners voice their discontent over unresolved safety matters, including water supply and turbine risks.
The Office for Nuclear Regulation has taken a pivotal decision in granting a nuclear site licence for the proposed Sizewell C power station. This development marks a significant step forward for the project, which is anticipated to play a key role in the UK’s future energy strategy. Despite the progress, not all stakeholders are content with this decision, as some technical issues remain unresolved.
Originally, Sizewell C Ltd faced a setback in their application process when their licence was denied due to complications related to shareholders’ agreements and land ownership. These issues have since been meticulously addressed to the satisfaction of the ONR, enabling the licence approval. Such clearance, while crucial, does not immediately allow for the commencement of nuclear construction activities on the site.
The ONR’s regulatory duties commence from the moment of licence issuance, endowing it with the authority to mandate that Sizewell C Ltd obtains permission for nuclear-related construction commencement. The licensee must also secure ONR endorsement for subsequent key construction and commissioning phases, stretching into commercial operation.
Mark Foy, the ONR chief executive, expressed his satisfaction with the completion of the licensing assessment, which ensures that intended operators demonstrate readiness to fulfil all obligations tied to the nuclear site licence. This oversight is intended to reinforce public and workforce safety.
Despite these regulatory advancements, there exists a vocal opposition. The Stop Sizewell C campaign group has articulated its dismay, highlighting unresolved issues concerning essential safety measures, such as a reliable supply of potable water and risks associated with turbine malfunction potentially impacting the nearby Sizewell B station. The absence of a definitive design for crucial sea defences further fuels their concern.
Their dissatisfaction culminates in criticism that the licence has been issued prematurely, potentially overlooking critical long-term safety requirements.
The granting of a site licence for Sizewell C marks a key regulatory achievement amid lingering safety concerns.
