The project is on track to achieve 19% biodiversity net gain, and has made strides to support the local population and economy
The second annual Sizewell C sustainability report covers the project’s progress in economic, social, and environmental goals.
Besides the biodiversity net gain, the project has also spent £4.89bn across more than 1,000 UK suppliers, and funded £3.9m in local projects via the Community Fund, supporting local economies.
The environment is responding to positive works
Indicators of environmental recovery include increased activity by Marsh Harriers and increasing instances of rare species, such as the grayling butterfly and natterjack toads.
To support the construction industry, the project has created and employed 120 apprenticeships so far, 80 of which have been filled by people in the surrounding area of Suffolk. There are more than 2,000 workers on site, a third of whom are local.
The Sizewell Creative programme has also expanded to 27 events in eight locations, and the Site Social Benefits Forum has also been launched to connect local projects with the supply chain needed.
The 19% biodiversity net gain is a key point of pride for the project, achieving nearly twice the national requirement, but recent assessments show that this number could be even higher with improved habitat connectivity.
“A vital temperature check for our project”
Nigel Cann, Sizewell C CEO, said: “Sustainability is one of the most important measures of Sizewell C’s success. It’s at the heart of the commitments we’ve made to the country, to local communities, to our people, and to nature.
“Our second Sustainability Report is a vital temperature check for our project; demonstrating the progress we’ve made in our pledge to deliver infrastructure differently.
“As our work ramps up over the coming years, we’ll continue to ensure that sustainability remains the golden thread that unites everything we do – leaving communities, businesses, and our country with a better future.”
In May, the National Audit Office (NAO) warned that the Sizewell C delivery model needs to be closely monitored, having identified potential issues with placing more risks on taxpayers and consumers, with significant costs and reliance on assumptions.
However, the report does support that the project will be delivered on time, and will reduce overall finance costs.
Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, said: “Sizewell C forms a significant part of the government’s plan for a secure and affordable clean energy supply.
“There has been a concerted attempt to learn from the problems of previous nuclear power construction projects and other large infrastructure schemes. This has resulted in a novel financing structure, and DESNZ will need to monitor the risks closely.”
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