Browne Jacobson comments on Sizewell C final go-ahead from government

Sizewell C has been given the final go-ahead from government as it announced a multi-billion pound investment into the nuclear power station.  

The Department for Energy and Net Zero confirmed yesterday (22 July) it will take a 44.9% stake to become the single biggest equity shareholder in the project, which will deliver clean power to the equivalent of six million homes once operational. 

Energy and environmental experts at Browne Jacobson provide reaction to the move. 

Sizewell C to provide legal template for future critical infrastructure delivery 

Paul Hill, Partner and Head of Energy and Infrastructure at Browne Jacobson, said: "This final investment decision on Sizewell C is a key moment for the UK's energy infrastructure, but also highlights the complex legal and commercial challenges that come with large scale nuclear projects.  

“With costs now reaching £38bn and the government taking a 44.9% stake, this decision highlights that the delivery of critical national infrastructure increasingly depends on legal frameworks that can withstand the pressures of cost escalation and regulatory evolution over a decade-long construction timeline. 

“The legal architecture underpinning this project will likely become the template for future critical infrastructure delivery, with commercial and investment partners working alongside the UK Government.  

“Beyond contract management and performance guarantees, the real legal challenge lies in creating adaptive frameworks that can evolve with changing regulations, technology advances, and market conditions throughout what could be a 15-year delivery timeline. 

“This isn't just about building a power station; it's about embracing new nuclear solutions and supporting the UK’s decarbonisation and security agenda and the scale of infrastructure transformation the UK needs.  

“Combined, Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C will deliver low carbon energy to over 12 million homes for over 60 years whilst offering contracts to over 3,500 British businesses, a shot in the arm to grow the UK economy." 

Nuclear waste projects now require attention and investment from government   

Ben Standing, Partner specialising in environment at Browne Jacobson, said: “The government’s decision to invest in Sizewell C represents a landmark commitment to the important role that nuclear power will play alongside renewables such as solar and wind in the UK’s future energy mix as we phase out fossil fuels. 

“While we know that solar and wind costs are steadily decreasing, their high fluctuation means renewables and battery storage alone won’t tackle the twin challenges of decarbonisation and energy resilience – meaning an effective baseload electricity source like nuclear is required.  

“With small modular reactors and nuclear fusion technology also coming down the line alongside the construction of Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C power stations, the government must now start considering how it will dispose of nuclear waste from these reactors. 

“Countries including Sweden and Finland have progressed on building sites that can store radioactive waste for more than 100,000 years, but these involve huge investments. Simply put, the planning, construction and operation of nuclear isn’t a cheap exercise.”