NNB Generation Company (Sizewell C) Limited applied for 3 environmental permits that it would need to operate its proposed new nuclear power station at Sizewell, Suffolk.

We consulted on the applications from July to October 2020 and on our proposed decision and draft permits from July to September 2022.

When we consulted, we explained that the consultations were not about the need for nuclear power, UK energy policy or policy relating to the siting of nuclear power stations.

During the consultations we shared information with people, explained our proposed decisions and considered the feedback we received. We emphasised that we would not make any final decisions until we had considered all relevant responses to the consultation.

We received 212 responses from organisations and members of the public:

• For our 2020 consultation on the permit applications, we received 79 consultation responses
• For our 2022 consultation on the proposed decision and draft permits, we received 133 consultation responses
• Information about which organisations responded and how each response has been considered is included in our final decision documents.

All responses to our consultation (if the respondent gave permission) are published on this page.

The Sizewell C project team would like to thank everyone who responded to their consultations.

We have assessed the 3 permit applications and considered the responses we received from both consultations.

Our final decision is that we should grant the permits for the 3 operational activities. The limits and conditions attached to the permits will make sure that people and the environment are protected from the 3 operational activities under normal operation.

• Our radioactive substances activity permit includes limits on gaseous and liquid discharges of radioactive waste. There are 16 requirements to provide additional information, which will help make sure that NNB Generation Company (Sizewell C) Limited builds and operates the proposed power station according to the commitments it made in its application.
• Our combustion activity permit limits the operational hours of the generators to 500 hours a year and includes 5 pre-operational requirements and 4 improvement measures. These will help make sure that the proposed power generators are commissioned and operated according to the commitments made in the application.
• Our water discharge activity permit includes 19 pre-operational conditions which need Environment Agency approval before the proposed power station can be commissioned or begin to operate. This is to make sure that NNB Generation Company (Sizewell C) Limited builds and operates the proposed power station according to the commitments made in its permit application.

The final decision documents, published here, explain the reasons for our decision.