Sizewell C nuclear realities
Antony Oliver
9 July 2025
How real is the UK’s nuclear “golden age”? Well with the
Sizewell C sitting at its core I thought it best to find out what was happening by chatting to
Julia Pyke FEI, HonFNucl, Managing Director of the project on
The Infrastructure Podcast.
👉
Listen in here - or find it wherever you get your podcasts — search “The Infrastructure Podcast” on Spotify, Apple or Google.
The episode explores what the government’s latest landmark £14.2 billion investment in the project really means — for clean energy, investor confidence, UK supply chains, and the communities that will host this next-generation infrastructure – when open in the mid-2030s it will power six million homes for over 60 years, become the UK’s first fully British-owned nuclear power station in decades.
But turning that ambition into reality is a massive challenge. Our discussion covers a lot of ground including:
➡️ Is the project still on track for Final Investment Decision in 2025?
➡️ How public funding is unlocking long-term investor confidence
➡️ What’s being done to learn lessons from Hinkley Point C
➡️ The critical role of community engagement
➡️ And why strengthening the UK’s nuclear supply chain is now essential
🎧 It’s a wide-ranging and fascinating conversation with someone right at the centre of one of the UK’s most important new energy projects. Enjoy!
“Projects don’t go wrong — they start wrong.” That’s one of the stark messages from James Stewart , author of the Stewart Review into the troubled HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd project and my guest on this week’s episode of The Infrastructure Podcast . 👉 Listen here - or find it wherever you get your podcasts — search “The Infrastructure Podcast” on Spotify, Apple or Google. As we know, HS2 was meant to be the crown jewel of UK infrastructure — boosting connectivity, unlocking capacity, and driving long-term growth. Instead, it's become a cautionary tale of runaway costs, shrinking scope, and delayed delivery. In this candid conversation, James (- who now chairs Agilia Infrastructure Partners but has spent a career helping to bring public and private infrastructure projects over the line) pulls no punches as he outlines: · Was HS2 simply too big to succeed? · Why the project lacked a protective “buffer” from political interference · The impact of the UK’s “culture of gold-plating” in design · And why our major project supply chain is no longer fit for purpose His verdict is clear: HS2 didn’t just fall apart — it was flawed from the start. But perhaps more importantly, in his lessons learnt report, James sets out how we can stop making the same mistakes in future infrastructure projects. It’s a must-listen for anyone who cares about how the UK delivers its biggest ambitions.
The United States' infrastructure has scored a grade C – that’s “mediocre, requires attention”. Every four years, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) releases a document that quietly shapes the nation’s future — the Report Card for America’s Infrastructure. It’s been called “the most important report you’ve probably never heard of.” In the latest episode of @The Infrastructure Podcast, I’m joined by @Tom Smith ASCE, Executive Director of ASCE, to unpack what that grade really means — why it matters to every American and how the $3.7 trillion funding gap must be filled over the next 10 years. 👉 Listen here or find it wherever you get your podcasts — search “The Infrastructure Podcast” on Spotify, Apple or Google. The interview builds on a presentation made by Tom at the recent Bentley Systems Transforming Infrastructure Performance Summit in New York ( https://lnkd.in/e94bKW96 ). From bridges and broadband to potholes and power grids, this latest conversation dives into: 🔎 Where progress is being made – why 8 of 18 categories saw improvement ⚠️ Where we’re still falling behind - why energy and rail were downgraded 💰 What it’ll take to turn short-term fixes into long-term solutions 🏘️ How infrastructure decisions directly affect the daily lives of millions Getting the infrastructure investment right is about more than roads and pipes — it’s about the resilience of our communities, the strength of our economy, and the choices we make to shape the future. Listen in to find out why now is the time to move from crisis response to proactive planning.
A new nuclear "golden age"? Well it’s certainly an exciting time in the nuclear energy sector right now as the UK government commits £2.5bn to Small Modular Reactors, £14.2bn to Sizewell C , and £2.5bn to fusion R&D – the biggest nuclear investment in a generation. But what does this bold vision really mean? Can we build this new nuclear future on time, on budget, and with the skills we need? In this week's episode of The Infrastructure Podcast , I’m joined by Tim Stone CBE , independent non-executive director of Great British Nuclear and former Chair of the Nuclear Industry Association to unpack the opportunity, challenge – and reality – of the UK’s nuclear renaissance. Listen here - or find it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, et al, of course! I certainly loved this conversation with Tim – his return to the podcast of course (see also episode 53!) as we chewed over a huge number of issues including: ➡️ is the really a new "golden age” of nuclear? ➡️ What exactly are SMRs – and why do they matter? ➡️ How do they compare to mega-projects like Sizewell C or Hinkley Point C? ➡️ Are we ready to deliver – with the right sites, skills, and supply chains? ➡️ Can Britain really lead the global race on next-gen nuclear? Given the scale of the government’s nuclear ambition, this is a must-listen for anyone interested in clean energy, industrial revival, or how infrastructure policy turns into national progress.
In this week’s special live episode of The Infrastructure Podcast , I sit down with Aruna Miller , Lieutenant Governor of the State of Maryland and a civil engineer by training, to talk about one of the most devastating infrastructure failures in recent U.S. history: the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore – and how the State is working to replace the transport link. Recorded at the excellent Transforming Infrastructure Performance Summit hosted by the Bentley Systems ’ team in New York, this conversation opens the event with a sobering reminder: when infrastructure fails, it’s not just concrete and steel — it’s lives, livelihoods, and entire economies. Listen here- or find it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, et al, of course! Some background: On 26 March 2024, the container ship Dali struck a pier of the Key Bridge, sending the structure crashing into the river within seconds. Six construction workers lost their lives. Baltimore’s transport network and port operations were paralysed. As a leader and engineer, Aruna Miller brings a rare perspective on: 🔹 The immediate crisis response and leadership in chaos 🔹 The public service parallels between life in politics and civil engineering 🔹 How you begin rebuilding public trust as well as the bridge 🔹 The role of infrastructure in community identity and resilience 🔹 Why investing in safety, technology, and readiness is not optional This is about more than a $1.7bn bridge rebuild — it’s about rebuilding confidence in the systems we rely on every day. And for details of the Transforming Infrastructure Performance Summit visit: https://infrastructurepolicyadvancement.com/tip-nyc-2025-register/
Infrastructure and agriculture are undergoing a seismic shift driven by AI, automation, and precision positioning. In this week’s episode of The Infrastructure Podcast , I sit down with Ivan Di Federico , the new President & CEO of Topcon Positioning Systems , recorded live at the spectacular bauma construction tech event in Munich. Listen in here - or find it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, et al, of course ! Topcon is a driving force behind the digital transformation of our built environment. From smart machines to sustainable job sites, its tech is shaping how we design, build, and maintain infrastructure. Ivan steps into the top job at a pivotal time — and in this fascinating conversation, we explore: 🔹 What it takes to lead in a fast-evolving tech landscape 🔹 The growing intersection of construction, agriculture & automation 🔹 How Topcon is navigating complexity while pushing innovation forward 🎧 Don’t miss this latest, hugely insightful episode — especially if you're watching how AI and automation are redefining infrastructure.
How do you build a structural engineering career that not only shapes skylines — but communities, cultures, and futures? This week on The Infrastructure Podcast , I’m joined by the brilliant Claire Gott MBE FICE , Head of Structures at WSP . Claire’s journey is one of technical excellence, inspiring leadership, and deep social impact — and it was a privilege to dig into her story. Listen here - or find it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, et al, of course! I first met Claire in 2011 when she was crowned New Civil Engineer Graduate of the Year. It was clear then — and even clearer now — she’s a force of nature in our industry. From 40 Leadenhall to Eden Project North, London Bridge Station, HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd , and (perhaps soon) 1 Undershaft, Claire has been at the heart of some of the UK’s most ambitious and high-profile developments. But what makes her stand out isn’t just the scale of the work — it’s the vision behind it. We talk about: 🔹 Designing for people and planet, not just performance 🔹 Navigating the evolving challenges of structural engineering 🔹 Why diversity, mentoring and social value must be part of the job 🔹 Her work with Cameroon Catalyst and the The Circle Partnership 🔹 And yes… even building a LEGO bridge with school kids! Whether you're an engineer, leader, or just curious about how great infrastructure gets made (and who makes it), this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Nuclear power has shaped the UK’s energy landscape for over 60 years — decommissioning our old assets is one of the most complex and critical infrastructure challenges of our time. I n this latest episode of The Infrastructure Podcast , I’m joined by Stuart Miller , Programme Director at the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), to explore how the NDA is transforming its business and boosting outcomes from the multi-billion pound investment programme to tackle the UK’s civil nuclear legacy — and what that means for our future. Tune in here - or find it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, et al, of course! And it’s clear that this complex work isn’t just about dismantling old infrastructure. It’s about: ⚙️ Rethinking how we manage hazardous assets ⚙️ Using digital tools to improve safety, speed, and decision-making ⚙️ Engaging communities in the investment programme ⚙️ Embedding sustainability into long-term strategy ⚙️ Driving cultural transformation in a risk-averse, highly regulated sector We dive into the opportunities and obstacles behind one of Europe’s largest environmental remediation missions — and why getting it right matters for generations to come. So if you’re interested in infrastructure, energy transition, systems thinking or leadership under pressure, this one’s for you.
With over £48 billion in capital investment planned, the latest PR24 programme mark's a watershed moment for the future of our national water infrastructure. But how do we deliver at speed, scale, and with public trust? My guest on The Infrastructure Podcast this week is Siân Thomas , Director of Strategic Asset Management at Anglian Water Services - the UK’s largest geographic water company - discusses the challenge; what it takes to deliver AMP8, the largest investment programme in the company’s history, build water resilience and help the sector to secure supply for future generations. Tune in here - or find it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, et al, of course! We dig into: 💧 The race to plug a 5-billion-litre-a-day water deficit 💧 Why new reservoirs, recycling and transfer schemes are critical 💧 What the Cunliffe Review must deliver 💧 How public perception and political pressure are reshaping the sector 💧 And what the future of water infrastructure really looks like This is a must-listen for anyone working in infrastructure, utilities, sustainability, or policy.
Bank Holiday special! And it was a real thrill to welcome Lord Adair Turner, titan of industry and finance, to @The Infrastructure Podcast this week to talk about the challenge of decarbonising our buildings - critical to meeting our vital climate change stemming targets. As chair of the Energy Transitions Commission, Lord Turner has just revealed the findings of a bold new report: Achieving Zero-Carbon Buildings: Electric, Efficient and Flexible. This report highlights the huge role that buildings must play in the global fight against climate change - and crucially how little we actually understand about this role today. 👉 Tune in here - or find it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, et al, of course! The reality is that the buildings sector is responsible for a staggering one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions — more than transport or industry. And as global demand for energy-intensive services like heating, cooling, and lighting continues to rise, the urgency to act is only growing. 🎧 In this episode of the podcast we explore the findings of ETC’s new report and discuss: ✅ Why buildings matter more than ever in the race to net zero ✅ The impact of the Trump administration on the pace of tackling climate change ✅ The technologies and strategies that can cut emissions and reduce energy bills ✅ The policy, finance, and industry shifts needed to unlock progress at speed and scale ✅ What the UK must do — and how global leadership can emerge The good news? The solutions are here. The challenge? Turning strategy into action — fast. 💡 If you care about the future of our cities, energy, and climate, this is a must-listen conversation. And a must read report.
So - does Artificial Intelligence hold the key to the future management of Infrastructure? Are we talking revolution; or is it just a new layer of risk? In today’s episode of The Infrastructure Podcast I am joined by Tom Bartley , Director of Civil Infrastructure at AI scale-up Mind Foundry who is certain that AI hold the key to a future of better, faster decision leading to smarter, safer and lower cost infrastructure . 👉 Tune in here to have a listen- or find it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, et al, of course! - to hear why the quiet AI revolution might be the most important thing happening in infrastructure today. Well, the fact is, our infrastructure is creaking under the strain of age, under-investment, and rising demands. Roads, railways, bridges, and public assets are showing their wear. Traditional maintenance just isn’t keeping up. So what if AI could change that? Well the team at Mind Foundry think it absolutely can. And as Mind Foundry was spun out of University of Oxford , it is clearly packed with all the biggest thinkers like Tom who probably know! Tom brings deep experience across engineering and technology from a career with WSP and Jacobs , and he's now helping asset owners like HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd predict risks, extend asset life, and make better decisions through responsible AI. In the conversation we explore one of the biggest and most urgent challenges facing the built environment: how we manage and maintain critical infrastructure in a smarter, faster, and more sustainable way. We dive into: 🔹 Why human-AI collaboration, not replacement, is the real future of engineering 🔹 How AI is reshaping inspection, maintenance, and risk management 🔹 What's holding the sector back from fully embracing innovation 🔹 The opportunities AI unlocks to create smarter, safer, more resilient systems Interested in the future of infrastructure and the reality of AI beyond the hype; in how we can solve today’s toughest challenges? Well if so this is an episode you don't want to miss.