A NUCLEAR power station set to be identical to Hinkley Point C near Bridgwater has been given a nuclear site license.

Sizewell C, situated on the Suffolk coast, was given the green light for formal construction to begin back in January this year.

The site license given to the Hinkley Point C sister station on Wednesday, May 8 marks the first time that the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has granted a licence for a new nuclear power project in over a decade.

In fact, that last nuclear site license issued was to Hinkley Point C in 2012. 

As a licensee, Sizewell C has a legal responsibility to comply with a range of health and safety legislation and nuclear security regulations.

In addition, the project needs to meet 36 conditions attached to the licence, which cover the design, construction, operation, and decommissioning of the plant.   

Mina Golshan CBE, Safety, Security and Assurance Director at Sizewell C, said:  “Securing a nuclear site licence is a show of confidence from our nuclear regulator that we have a suitable site, that we can achieve a safe design replicated from Hinkley Point C, and that we have a capable organisation ready to begin major construction work.

"It’s a huge milestone and demonstrates that this project is firmly on track.  

“We have made good progress already and this licence gives us the framework to further advance this project.

"As we do so, our commitment to safety remains unwavering and we will continue to work with our partners to bring learning from Hinkley Point C, and other major infrastructure projects, to drive best industry practice in safety and environmental protection. 

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Office for Nuclear Regulation for their constructive engagement over the past four years.

"Their effective and independent regulation is fundamental to the success of our project and for maintaining public confidence in the nuclear industry.” 

Minister for Nuclear & Renewables, Andrew Bowie, added: “Sizewell C will be the cornerstone of the UK’s clean energy transition, supplying six million homes with green energy for decades. 

“Obtaining a nuclear site licence is a significant achievement and should instil further confidence from investors – bringing us another step closer towards reaching a final investment decision this year.”