Sizewell C set to reinvigorate Teesside’s industrial supply chain
Teesside has long been a hub for manufacturing, with its steel industry playing a pivotal role in driving forward the Industrial Revolution.
Stockton-on-Tees is already home to Hartlepool nuclear power station and while plans are in place to extend Hartlepool’s operational lifetime until 2026, its legacy has laid the groundwork for Teesside to emerge as a key player in supporting the next wave of nuclear projects.
This next project in the current pipeline is Sizewell C nuclear power station in Suffolk, which is expected to deliver thousands of long term jobs across the nuclear supply chain.
Teesside is already home to a robust supply chain that has been established through decades of experience with major industrial projects. As the UK accelerates its new nuclear programme to meet future energy demands, this positions the region to benefit from the UK’s next nuclear power plant, Sizewell C.
Thousands of new jobs
New research* reveals that the construction of Sizewell C is expected to unlock thousands of new jobs across the UK’s nuclear supply chain, much of which exists in Teesside, with businesses poised for rapid job creation and long-term employment opportunities.
The survey, conducted by the Sizewell C Consortium – representing over 250 UK-based nuclear supply chain businesses – highlights the positive impact that Sizewell C will bring to Britain during the construction phase of the project.
Long-term employment opportunities
Some 85% of businesses anticipate that the construction of Sizewell C will lead to job creation in their organisation, with 65% expecting new roles to materialise within the first year following a Final Investment Decision — a critical milestone where the necessary funding and approvals are secured, enabling the project to move into the construction phase.
The survey also found that 75% of businesses believe that the newly created jobs will be maintained for more than four years, offering long-term employment opportunities and economic stability for the industry.
Chris McDonald, MP for Stockton North, said: “The investment that Sizewell C will bring to Stockton North through the supply chain is much-needed. Sizewell C's construction can build on our proud industrial heritage, not only strengthening the regional economy, but also bringing new employment opportunities and apprenticeships to the local area."
Jon Fowler, Vice President Nuclear at Amentum, whose offices in Stockton-on-Tees and Newcastle upon Tyne serve the nuclear industry across the UK, said: “Right now, Sizewell C is the biggest opportunity we have to grow jobs and skills in the UK’s nuclear industry. By building on Britain’s long nuclear history, we’ll be able to bring jobs, skills and apprenticeships to our local workforce – right here on Teesside and in Newcastle."
Renowned for its expertise and a strong track record in infrastructure development, the region is well-placed to capitalise on the UK’s expanding nuclear programme. Sizewell C, which is expected to reach a Final Investment Decision by Spring 2025, will generate over 70,000 jobs across the UK, including 1,500 apprenticeships, with significant economic benefits coming to the North East.
This article was originally published in Teesside Live.
