Sizewell C: environmental permits for a new nuclear power station
Download the full outcome
Detail of outcome
NNB Generation Company (Sizewell C) Limited applied for 3 environmental permits that it would need to operate its proposed new nuclear power station at Sizewell, Suffolk.
The Environment Agency consulted on the applications from July to October 2020 and on its proposed decision and draft permits from July to September 2022.
They have assessed the 3 permit applications and considered the responses they received from both consultations. They concluded that they should issue all 3 permits and published the final decision in March 2023.
The Environment Agency considers that the limits and conditions in the permits are suitable to protect people and the environment.
The final decision documents, published here, explain the reasons for their decision
Detail of feedback received
We received 212 responses from organisations and members of the public:
- For our 2020 consultation on the permit applications, we received 79 consultation responses
- For our 2022 consultation on the proposed decision and draft permits, we received 133 consultation responses
Information about which organisations responded and how each response has been considered is included in our final decision documents.
All responses to our consultation (if the respondent gave permission) are published on our consultation website.
The Sizewell C project team would like to thank everyone who responded to their consultations.
Original consultation
Consultation description
In May 2020, NNB Generation Company (SZC) Limited applied to the Environment Agency for 3 environmental permits to operate Sizewell C. We consulted on these applications from July to October 2020. We have come to a proposed decision on whether we should issue these permits, and if we do what conditions they should include.
The permits are to:
- dispose of and discharge radioactive waste
- operate standby power supply systems using diesel generators
- discharge cooling water and liquid effluent into the North Sea
Our proposed decision is that we should issue all 3 permits. The conclusions of other assessments support our view, including these 4:
- Radiological Impact Assessment
- Habitats Regulations Assessment
- Countryside and Rights of Way Sites of Special Scientific Interest assessment
- Water Framework Directive
We want your views on our proposed decision, draft permits and supporting documents. We will consider your views before we make our final decision.
We welcome everyone’s views, for example from:
- the public
- the energy industry
- academics with an interest in nuclear power, energy or the environment
- non-governmental organisations
- any other organisation or public body
We will publish our final decision in early 2023.
Ways to respond
Respond online through Citizen Space.
Email to psc@environment-agency.gov.uk
Write to:
Sizewell C Consultation
Environment Agency
Permit Support Centre
Quadrant 2
99 Parkway Avenue
Parkway Business Park
Sheffield
S9 4WF
If you need a different document format, email nuclear@environment-agency.gov.uk
Talk to our staff at events
- Thursday 14 July, 2pm – 7.30pm, Saxmundham Market Hall, High Street, IP17 1AF
- Friday 15 July, 2pm – 7.30pm, Aldeburgh Parish Church, Church Hall , Victoria Road, IP15 5DU
- Saturday 16 July, 9am – 1.30pm, Leiston Community Centre, King George’s Avenue, IP16 4JX
We will also organise online events in September. These will be advertised on GOV.UK and Twitter @EnvAgencyAnglia.
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Documents
Last updated 28 March 2023 + show all updates
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Updated to provide information about the outcome of the consultation.
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First published.