The boss of Sizewell C says recent events in the Middle East demonstrate how important nuclear power will be for a "more reliable, clean power made in Britain".
Chancellor Rachel Reeves made a point of the importance of "stability" and "securing the economy against shocks" in her Spring Statement on Tuesday afternoon.
This comes as the official budget watchdog has warned that the UK economy could face a “very significant” hit from the conflict in Iran.
The UK gas prices surged by more than 46%, following sharp gains on Monday, pushing it to its highest level for three years.
It is understood this is mainly due to shipping traffic stopping at the Strait of Hormuz, where around 20% of the world's oil and gas passes.
Nigel Cann, CEO of Sizewell C, has highlighted this as an example of the importance of energy independence and argues that Suffolk's nuclear projects can help keep costs down.
He said: “Recent events demonstrate how energy markets can be vulnerable to geopolitical events.
"That’s why we need more reliable, clean power made in Britain.
"Sizewell C will supply six million homes for sixty years, building a resilient power supply for generations to come."
The project is one of the largest and most significant infrastructure projects in the UK, often cited as the biggest clean energy project in a generation.
It has an estimated cost of up to £38 billion and a 3.2-gigawatt capacity and is seen by the Government as a key, long-term, low-carbon energy investment.
Mr Cann added: “This project will also help deliver growth and prosperity right across Britain and the East of England, creating tens of thousands of jobs and 1,500 apprenticeships, including 540 for our host county in Suffolk.
“And it’s a huge boost for businesses in the UK and across this region.
"Seventy per cent of the project’s construction value will go to UK businesses during construction and, only two years after triggering our Development Consent Order, we’ve delivered around £3bn in contracts for over 400 UK suppliers, with almost £1bn to businesses across the East of England.”
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