Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the adequacy of water supplies for the Sizewell C nuclear facility, in light of the extension of the life of the Sizewell B nuclear facility and the increasing levels of water stress in Suffolk.

An assessment of water supply formed part of the review of Sizewell C’s DCO application. Development consent was granted by the Secretary of State in June 2022. The company is working with water companies and other stakeholders to ensure a resilient supply of water during construction, both for the project and for local consumers.

Water use and environmental impacts at Sizewell B will remain regulated through the relevant environmental permitting regime; the ONR would not permit Sizewell B to continue operating beyond its current planned life unless it was satisfied that the station could continue to operate safely, including in relation to water supply.