A proposed new nuclear plant in Suffolk could take six years to offset the greenhouse gas emissions generated in its construction, EDF has admitted. The French energy group estimates that 5.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide will be emitted in the nine to twelve years that it will take to build the Sizewell C plant. It argues that this is “small in comparison to the savings that would be achieved once the power station becomes operational, when the station will be displacing more carbon-intensive energy from the national grid”. In publicity material, EDF claims that Sizewell C will “save nine million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions for every year of its operation”, based on it replacing gas-fired power plants. However, in planning documents it admits that the actual savings may be far lower. By the time that the proposed plant is built, Britain’s power mix is expected to be far greener, as more wind and solar farms are built. Alison Downes, of Stop Sizewell C, said this meant that it would be 2040 before the plant was “making a positive contribution to the UK’s net zero targets . . . EDF’s revelation that it will be 20 years before Sizewell C is built and has paid off the carbon from its construction exposes what a hopeless — as well as expensive and risky — solution it is to our urgent climate crisis.” National Grid has said that it plans to be able to run Britain’s power network with entirely “zero carbon” electricity by 2025 whenever there is sufficient renewable generation to do so — well before Sizewell C starts up.
Times 25th Aug 2020 read more »
East Suffolk Council has published a report setting out its views on plans for the new Sizewell C nuclear power station. The council says it appreciates the concerns of local people and aims to work with EDF to get the best outcome for the area. It says there’s a difficult balance between protecting the environment and providing jobs for the Suffolk economy. All councillors are being asked to comment when its discussed at full council on 3 September. The Government will then decide if the project goes ahead.
ITV 24th Aug 2020 read more »
Community leaders say there are still “many unknowns” over the proposals for a new £20billion nuclear power plant on the Suffolk coast – and work is taking place on mitigation and funding packages should it receive the go-ahead. East Suffolk Council is preparing to submit its views on EDF Energy’s Sizewell C project, currently being considered by the Planning Inspectorate. On September 3 councillors will discuss a draft report and then on September 21 the final version. Council leader Steve Gallant says it is essential east Suffolk remains “open for business” during the twin reactor’s decade-long construction, and the council is working with stakeholders, government and EDF to “to get the best possible outcome for East Suffolk”. He said: “I am clear that if the potential concerns cannot be fully mitigated, we will require fully funded programmes to further compensate any adverse impacts.
East Anglian Daily Times 24th Aug 2020 read more »