French energy giant EDF takes 12.5% stake in new UK nuclear power plant

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🗞️ Driving the news: French energy giant EDF (see sustainability performance) has agreed to acquire a 12.5% stake in the UK’s Sizewell C nuclear power plant, investing approximately £1.1 billion (€1.3 billion)
• The announcement, coinciding with French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to the UK, signals closer Franco-British cooperation on energy security and net-zero goals
• The £20–30 billion project, located in Suffolk, is scheduled to begin generating electricity by 2035

🔭 The context: Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the UK has prioritised energy security by expanding domestic nuclear power as part of its decarbonisation strategy
• The Labour government recently pledged £14.2 billion for Sizewell C, replacing Chinese investor CGN after geopolitical concerns
• EDF, already building the delayed Hinkley Point C in Somerset, brings experience but faces ongoing criticism over project cost overruns and timelines

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Expanding nuclear energy is central to the UK’s target of reducing emissions by 81% (from 1990 levels) by 2035 and achieving net-zero by 2050
• Nuclear offers a stable, low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels, but it remains contentious due to concerns over safety, waste management, and local environmental impacts
• This investment highlights the balance between accelerating clean energy and addressing legitimate environmental and social risks

⏭️ What's next: Construction at Sizewell C will continue amid opposition from local communities in Leiston and scrutiny of EDF’s ability to deliver on time and on budget, given Hinkley Point C’s setbacks
• The UK government is expected to finalise additional financing and regulatory approvals over the coming year, while environmental groups are likely to escalate legal and public campaigns
• Timely progress will be key to meeting 2035 climate goals and replacing retiring nuclear capacity

💬 One quote: “This partnership shows Europe’s ability to unite around energy security and climate action — but it also reminds us of the need for vigilance on costs and impacts,” commented an energy policy expert at Chatham House.

📈 One stat: The UK government aims to have 24 gigawatts of nuclear capacity online by 2050, roughly three times today’s level

See on illuminem's Data Hub™ the sustainability performance of EDF, and its peers Fortum, and Constellation Energy

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