UNITE welcomed talks for a new nuclear power station at Sizewell today, which could create thousands of new jobs and apprenticeships.

But green campaigners warned that the project would be “unnecessary and expensive” and urged ministers to focus on renewable energy instead.

The government announced that it was discussing plans for Sizewell C, a £20 billion plant on the Suffolk coast, with French energy firm EDF.

Trade union Unite said that the development would create up to 25,000 jobs during construction, including 1,500 apprenticeships.

National officer for energy Peter McIntosh said: “Today’s news is a very welcome step on the road to the construction of Sizewell C, which will contribute an important low-carbon element to the UK’s future energy mix.

“We urge ministers to keep their foot on the accelerator during these talks, as Sizewell C is a vital part of the energy mix needed to reach the UK’s commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.”

While Greenpeace UK welcomed the shift away from fossil fuels, it warned that nuclear power was not the way to go.

Executive director John Sauven said: “The latest analysis shows that Sizewell C is unnecessary and remains expensive.

“While ministers have been talking to EDF about Sizewell C for years, the offshore wind industry has got on with the job and delivered.

“If discussions with the majority French-state-owned company ever progressed, the UK public will need to stump up billions of pounds in advance.

“This money would be far better spent on a flexible grid that can handle shedloads of cheap renewables increasingly powering the UK.”

Any deal would be subject to a range of criteria such as value for money and affordability, the government said.