Zoe Stollard, Chair of the Nuclear PSG and Construction Partner at Browne Jacobson LLP shares her thoughts about the progress of Sizewell C (SZC).
“After many years in the planning it is full steam ahead to build SZC with 2026 being a transformative year for the project. The project will deliver 7% of the UK’s clean energy needs for at least 60 years, provide opportunities for over 1500 apprentices in high skilled jobs, support the Government’s net zero commitments and energy security, along with developing a high capability supply chain in the UK.
At the beginning of the year Nigel Cann was appointed as the CEO of SZC, which will be the first UK majority funded power station in over 30 years. Nigel’s vast experience at Hinkley Point C (HPC) alongside working with Julia Pyke as joint Managing Director at SZC for the last two years makes Nigel the ideal individual to drive this project forward.
Momentum at Sizewell had been building since the Development Consent Order (DCO) was signed in 2024, with increasing preparatory work being carried out on site. In January 2026 it was announced that over 2000 people are now working at SZC; over £1 billion worth of contracts have been awarded to businesses across East Anglia; and 400 British suppliers are already or going to be involved, demonstrating the desire and commitment to support the UK construction and nuclear supply chain.
Having supported the build of HPC working with and advising a range of Tier 1 and 2 contractors for over a decade which SZC is a replica, I fully appreciate the challenges and complexities of such an undertaking to build a major infrastructure project. It is clear that lessons have been learnt to improve efficiency, reduce costs along with increasing the next spend to UK suppliers.
In the coming months and years there will be plenty of opportunities for businesses to take advantage of contracts at SZC. I would recommend that suppliers who are interested in working on the project register on Home – CompeteFor the platform for sharing all opportunities at SZC. In addition, the Sign up to Suffolk Chamber Supply Chain Engagement – Suffolk Chamber Supply Chain Engagement has news about the project, useful webinars, links to CompeteFor and is well worth visiting.
As Chair of the Nuclear PSG I strongly recommend those businesses needing professional support to support their ambitions to successfully win and deliver contracts at SZC to get in touch to see how we can help, as our members have considerable experience in the sector.
I look forward to visiting the Sizewell C site in early March and meeting members of the supply chain to help those businesses in their SZC journey.”