For the first time since 1995, a new nuclear power plant is set to be built in England. Sizewell C, a giant power station under construction in Eastern England, intends to generate electricity for six million homes, but the massive scope of the project has resulted in sizable opposition. According to an article by Stanley Reed for The New York Times, Sizewell C is pushing forward despite opposition from groups like “Stop Sizewell C” and a massive $51 billion price tag, thanks to proponents including the British government and managing director Julia Pyke. Those in favor of the project argue Sizewell C is essential for providing England with a stable “base load” power that unsteady renewables can’t guarantee. Sizewell C could ensure long-term energy security for the region while phasing out fossil fuels; Critics, however, are skeptical about the claimed cost-effectiveness and proposed decades-long timeline, pointing to the high costs that will be passed on to consumers. This project has significant implications for nuclear energy as a whole. If Sizewell C is successful, it could provide breathe life into the nuclear industry in the West more broadly and secure a role for nuclear power in a stable, de-carbonized grid with a viable financing and construction model. Conversely, if the plant suffers the same major delays and cost overruns as similar projects, it could become a costly distraction that reinforces the global trend of faster and cheaper renewables.