The Government has said it will start talks with EDF Energy over investing in the Sizewell C nuclear power station in Suffolk.
In a statement, it said the negotiations were part of its “options to enable investment in at least one nuclear power station by the end of this Parliament”.
The energy giant is currently applying for planning permission for the 3.2-gigawatt plant, which could create thousands of new jobs during construction and operation if given the go-ahead.
In a statement, which also set out its Energy White Paper, the Government said: “This is the next step in considering the Sizewell C project, and negotiations will be subject to reaching a value-for-money deal and all other relevant approvals, before any final decision is taken on whether to proceed.
“The successful conclusion of these negotiations will be subject to thorough scrutiny and needs to satisfy the Government’s robust legal, regulatory and national security requirements.”
The White Paper set out plans to transition to net zero emissions by 2050.
