The UK’s delivery model for Sizewell C places more risks on taxpayers and consumers than other electricity projects, but will reduce finance costs and deliver the project on time, according to a report by the National Audit Office (NAO).

The UK spending watchdog said once construction of the two planned EPR units has been completed, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s (DESNZ) modelling predicts that the net benefits for consumers could be up to £18bn (€20.7bn, $24bn).

The NAO said these cost savings will be primarily delivered through energy bill savings and reduced electricity costs compared to other ways of reaching net zero.

However, DESNZ modelling also shows the benefits will not outweigh the costs to consumers until after 2060, with the modelling “subject to significant uncertainty”.