Sizewell C pledges 500 jobs for Ipswich residents

The big picture: This latest jobs agreement is part of Sizewell C's broader commitment to sourcing at least a third of its 7,900 peak construction workforce from East Anglia and creating at least 540 new apprenticeships in Suffolk.

Key details:

• 500 new jobs to be created for Ipswich residents and delivered over the course of the construction project

• Two annual Sizewell C job fairs in Ipswich

• Sponsorship of the Suffolk Future Skills Fair from 2024-2026

• Expanded partnership with Suffolk New College , including the development of a new Welding Centre of Excellence and potential development of a new Electrical Engineering Centre of Excellence

• £150,000 in funding for local charities Project 21 and Inspire

Why it matters: The latest jobs pledge is a major boost to the region's economy with £2bn set to be spent with Suffolk-based companies and £45m in contracts already awarded to Ipswich businesses.

Yes, but: Opposition groups have raised several concerns about the project. Critics also question the plant's substantial water consumption needs and its potential impact on local supplies, while some environmentalists and researchers suggest that a mix of renewable energy sources, storage, and other technologies could provide the same constant power availability as Sizewell C at a lower cost.

Additionally, there have been concerns about the project's overall expense and its contribution to net-zero goals, with opponents claiming it won't positively impact carbon reduction until 2040.

What they're saying:

Julia Pyke, Joint Managing Director of Sizewell C: "By committing 500 of those jobs to Ipswich specifically, we can make absolutely sure that people here will benefit from the incredible opportunities that Sizewell C offers."

Jack Abbott, MP for Ipswich: "Today's agreement means hundreds of people across Ipswich will have the opportunity to train, retrain or upskill, with a view to gaining secure, well-paid, long-term employment."

Alan Pease, Principal and CEO of Suffolk New College: "This is fantastic news and we are delighted to be working with and supporting Sizewell C on a project that is bringing job opportunities in a range of sectors - including construction, engineering, fabrication and welding - to the people of Ipswich."

What's next: Construction of Sizewell C is expected to begin in 2024 and take between nine and twelve years to complete. The plant is projected to meet up to 7% of the UK's electricity demand once operational.

The bottom line: The project promises significant economic benefits for Ipswich and the East of England as a whole but it remains controversial. Supporters tout the economic benefits and energy security, while critics question its environmental impact and long-term sustainability.