The facility is expected to cost at least £20bn and generate energy at a more expensive price when compared to renewables such as wind and solar.

The project is planned to commence before 2024, with construction taking between nine and 12 years, depending on developments at the oft-delayed and over-budget Hinkley Point C nuclear power station. French energy giant EDF recently pushed back Hinkley Point’s first day of operation to September 2028.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said the £170m 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 plant is being positioned as providing reliable, low-carbon baseload power to the UK energy grid, with a lifespan of roughly 60 years.

The funding announcement follows last week’s launch of Great British Nuclear (GBN), a public body established to help deliver the UK’s nuclear programme...