The UK government has pledged a further £170m to speed up construction of the upcoming Sizewell C nuclear power plant.

With the UK’s ageing fleet of eight nuclear power stations needing replacement, and only EDF’s Hinkley Point C undergoing construction, Sizewell C will play an important role in backing up renewable energy in the switch away from fossil fuels. It is anticipated it will provide 7 per cent of the UK’s electricity needs.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said the funding for Sizewell C would be used to prepare the site for future construction, procure key components from the project’s supply chain and expand its workforce.

The funding announcement came as Great British Nuclear was launched, a public body established to help deliver the UK’s nuclear programme. It has a goal of providing 24GW of nuclear power by 2050.