Spending watchdog warns £38bn cost of Sizewell C nuclear plant is ‘risky’
The National Audit Office has raised concerns about the £38bn Sizewell C nuclear plant, indicating that costs may outweigh benefits for UK households until 2064. While the government claims potential savings from the plant, the NAO warns of immediate and substantial risks. Critics argue that the funding model could lead to financial disaster for bill payers if construction delays occur.
- ▪The NAO warns that the costs of supporting Sizewell C may exceed savings for households until at least 2064.
- ▪The project is expected to generate enough low-carbon electricity to power 6 million homes when operational.
- ▪Critics have raised concerns that construction delays could lead to financial burdens on consumers without receiving power.
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The NAO overall savings for households from the plant could be outstripped by the cost of supporting its construction until almost halfway through its 60-year operational life. Photograph: Chris Radburn/ReutersView image in fullscreenThe NAO overall savings for households from the plant could be outstripped by the cost of supporting its construction until almost halfway through its 60-year operational life. Photograph: Chris Radburn/ReutersSizewell CSpending watchdog warns £38bn cost of Sizewell C nuclear plant is ‘risky’National Audit Office says potential benefits are ‘considerable but uncertain’ while risks are ‘immediate and substantial’Jillian Ambrose Energy correspondentTue 19 May 2026 19.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe cost of the government’s £38bn nuclear plant in…
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