With the conflict in the Middle East driving instability across global fuel markets, the government says it is taking action to strengthen Britain's long-term energy independence and deliver clean homegrown power by appointing a Lead Environmental Regulator for Sizewell C and Lighthouse Green Fuels.

The Environment Agency will take the helm as a single Lead Environmental Regulator with the aim of speeding up planning approvals for both projects.

The two projects will create more than 20,000 jobs in Suffolk, Teesside and across the UK, while providing clean power for six million homes

The Agency will act as a single point of contact to coordinate streamlined, joined-up advice. This will cut costs and minimise delays, without compromising environmental standards.

Sizewell C will supply six million homes with clean, British nuclear energy – reducing reliance on foreign imports and protecting families from future energy bill spikes. 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.

Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Emma Reynolds 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.”

Environment Agency Chief Executive Philip Duffy 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.”

With the landmark Planning and Infrastructure Act now law, the government is pressing ahead at pace to implement major changes that will speed up approvals for major wind, solar, water and nuclear projects.

A new roadmap has been published to confirm when each measure is switched on to make decisions on nationally significant infrastructure projects faster, including changes to slash a year off the pre-application consultation period, which is expected to come into force in the coming months.

The Lead Environmental Regulator model has already been applied to Falmouth Docks, East West Rail, and the Lower Thames Crossing. Sizewell C and Lighthouse Green Fuels become the fourth and fifth projects to benefit.