Politics East this morning: stellar contributions to Richard Daniel's piece (of course), but as for Keir Starmer (clearly got at by Unions since all he really focussed on was high paid jobs) and Peter Aldous (similarly, on jobs), not so much.... And none of the political figures really grasped the question who will pay? #StopSizewellC

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0010577/politics-east-26092021

The Observer is reporting that "The government could announce plans to take a stake in Sizewell C power station, alongside the French state-backed power giant EDF, as early as next month, ahead of the Cop26 climate summit.

...Under plans for Sizewell being discussed by Whitehall officials and EDF, the government could take a stake in a development company that will push it through various stages of planning and bureaucracy, sharing the costs with EDF.

Private sector investors such as the insurance funds L&G and Aviva would then be lured in at a later stage in return for a government-backed funding model called the regulated asset base (RAB), diluting the taxpayer and EDF. Legislation on RAB funding – the same model used to fund airports such as Heathrow and water companies – is due to progress through parliament next month.

EDF’s board is due to hold a meeting in November to discuss pushing Sizewell forward but is understood to be wary about pumping tens of millions into the project without firm commitment from Westminster."

Note that Legal & General have already ruled themselves out. Aviva keeps reassuring customers it is not looking to get involved, but confusingly appears to be keeping its option open.

Frankly the best part of this piece is the following...
"Sizewell, which is still going through planning and development ....has been plagued by opposition from local campaigners, fears over its price tag and China’s involvement."

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/sep/25/ministers-close-to-deal-that-could-end-chinas-role-in-uk-nuclear-power-station

WATCH @politicseast tomorrow (26 Sept) at 10am. They also spoke to @StopSizewellC so let's see if it's in! https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-suffolk-58680467

"Nuclear plants have years of expensive construction costs, making it difficult to attract financial backing from private investors.

They can be supported directly through public funding from taxes, by governments buying a stake in the project for example, or by giving the firm a guarantee it will be paid a certain price for the electricity generated, meaning consumers pay in their electricity bills, or a combination of both.

Mr Burke said the UK government was looking at new financial models for nuclear projects but said: "It does need to work from the taxpayer and consumer perspective as well."

Horizon Nuclear Power's plans on Anglesey had reached "the point beyond which ministers were not willing to go, despite us all very much wanting that project to work," Mr Burke added."

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-politics-58668704.amp