After years of political and economic uncertainty on both sides of the Channel, the next major challenge for EDF in the UK is coming into focus. The French state-owned group has confirmed its intention to own around 12.5% of the two future reactors at the Sizewell C nuclear power plant in Suffolk, England.

EDF made the announcement in a press release on Tuesday, July 8, coinciding with the state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to the UK. The group plans to invest "up to £1.1 billion" (around €1.3 billion), including nearly €650 million that has been earmarked since 2018, to acquire a stake in the future plant. The French electricity company will also be responsible for building the two reactors, although construction has yet to begin.

However, the final investment decision is still pending. As the majority shareholder, the British government hopes to reach that milestone during the summer. Since taking office in 2024, Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer has repeatedly predicted a "golden age" for the UK nuclear industry, promising large-scale, low-carbon electricity. "There will be no more dithering and delay on Sizewell C," Starmer said.

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