Sea level rise ‘could threaten nuclear power station’ planned for UK, report claims

EDF about to submit planning application for major development at Sizewell on Suffolk coast

Sizewell B nuclear power station in Suffolk is seen behind a local fishing boat (Getty)

Rising sea levels and coastal erosion could pose a threat to two nuclear reactors planned to be built on the low-lying Suffolk coast, according to local councils and analysis by an independent environmental group.

East Suffolk Council and Suffolk County Council have already lodged various concerns about French company EDF Energy’s plans for the new facilities at Sizewell C, and a new analysis by experts at the Nuclear Consulting Group suggests planned sea defences may be inadequate in future climate change scenarios.

EDF is reportedly about to submit its official planning application for the project, and has been working with Chinese state-owned nuclear company CGN on the plans for Sizewell C, which could ultimately provide 7 per cent of the UK’s electricity.