Charlotte Nichols MP, co-chair of the group, said “net zero needs nuclear and it’s great news that we finally have progress on this vital project for Britain’s energy security.” She said 10,000 jobs powering six million homes will be the backbone of the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
“We need a pipeline of projects drive the necessary recruitment and skills development to deliver the capacity we need to hit net zero by 2050.”
The group provides a forum for MPs and peers to discuss policy options to support nuclear deployment.
The UK on Thursday gave the go-ahead for new nuclear at Sizewell C with Hunt confirming £700m (€799m, $824m) in support for what would be “the first state-backed nuclear power station for 30 years”.
Boris Johnson gave the project the green light in one of his last acts as prime minister but Hunt’s plans to cut spending had created uncertainty around the planned power plant’s future.
Hunt said contracts would be signed in “the coming weeks” with partners in the project including French state energy firm EDF, which is building Sizewell’s sister station at Hinkley Point C.
He said the station would provide power for six million homes for 50 years.
Sizewell C will have two France-supplied EPRs producing 3.2 GW of electricity and is expected to cost about £20bn.
Doubts had been raised two weeks ago after reports emerged that the project – the final cost of which is estimated at between £20bn and £30bn – could face the axe in the chancellor’s search for savings, forcing Downing Street into a denial.
