The government has announced the appointment of a lead environmental regulator for two major energy projects in an effort to accelerate their delivery.
According to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), the move reflects efforts to strengthen the UK’s energy security and protect consumers from long-term rises in energy costs.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 is one clear example of how geopolitical shocks can impact energy prices in the UK, a lesson all-the-more emphasised by the current conflict in the Middle East.
The appointment of a lead environmental regulator for Sizewell C and Lighthouse Green Fuels is expected to counter this and help deliver more home-grown energy.
The Environment Agency has been tasked with the role, acting as a single point of contact to coordinate “streamlined, joined-up advice”. This will cut costs and minimise delays, without compromising environmental standards, Defra says.
Sizewell C will supply six million homes with nuclear energy. At the peak of its construction, the multi-billion-pound project will provide around 17,000 direct and indirect jobs, alongside 1,500 apprenticeships that will boost the economy.
Lighthouse Green Fuels is the first major refinery project in the UK for decades and is set to become Europe’s largest second-generation sustainable aviation fuel plant, producing enough fuel for 27,000 flights each year. The project will create 2,000 construction jobs in Teesside and support 3,400 supply chain roles across the UK.
Emma Reynolds, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said: “We are taking back control of our energy supply to bring stability for families and create skilled jobs for local people, without compromising on environmental protections.
“Global shocks from conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East show that relying on a volatile global fossil fuel market is simply not sustainable for Britain. These measures are a win-win for energy security, nature and for keeping bills down in the long run.”
Philip Duffy, the Environment Agency’s chief executive, said: “The Environment Agency’s mission is to protect and enhance the environment while supporting the sustainable growth that communities and businesses need. Sizewell C and Lighthouse Green Fuels are exactly the kind of clean energy projects where those goals align.
“We are pleased to be able to play a key role as lead environmental regulator for both projects, bringing the developers and regulators together to prevent environmental damage and streamline approvals.”
According to Defra, the measures set out in government’s response to the Nuclear Regulatory Review 2025, combined with the lead environmental regulator model, will strengthen the overall regulatory framework for the nuclear sector, claiming it will mean “bureaucracy, faster decisions, and ultimately cheaper, cleaner energy for people sooner”.
Constructive relationship
Mina Golshan CBE, safety, security and assurance director at Sizewell C, said: “This is exactly the kind of culture change our sector needs. Simplifying regulation like this will lead to better outcomes for the environment, greater efficiencies for our project, and better value for consumers.
“It gives us a simple framework to build on our already constructive relationship with the Environment Agency – and we embrace the opportunity to demonstrate how regulation can work more effectively and efficiently for both project delivery and environmental protection.
“Sizewell C is vital for the UK’s energy security – and today’s announcement will further empower us to deliver this project with the best value for Britain.”
Noaman Al Adhami, UK country head for Alfanar Projects, said: “We welcome the opportunity to support Defra’s lead environmental regulator pilot, which represents an important step forward in streamlining engagement with statutory bodies and accelerating the delivery of major infrastructure projects.
“By enabling earlier, more coordinated regulatory input, this initiative will help unlock investment and support the timely progression of projects like Lighthouse Green Fuels as we advance towards construction.
“This pilot also plays a vital role in supporting the government’s wider ambition to accelerate infrastructure delivery and strengthen its industrial strategy. We are proud that LGF can contribute to this effort while helping to establish a new low-carbon industry in the UK.”
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