VodafoneThree to Power Sizewell C with 5G and Fibre
VodafoneThree has signed a significant agreement to become a Tier 1 contractor for Sizewell C, the US$26.8 billion nuclear power station currently under construction on the Suffolk coast in the UK.
As one of the UK’s most significant clean energy infrastructure projects, Sizewell C will provide 3.2GW of low-carbon electricity, enough to power six million homes and meet 7% of the nation’s electricity demand for at least 60 years.
As part of the initial phase, VodafoneThree will deploy 5G mobile and fibre connectivity to support construction and operations at the site.
The agreement marks a key milestone in the integration of next-generation telecoms into the UK’s clean energy buildout.
Connectivity at the core of energy megaprojects
Damian Leydon, Sizewell C Site Delivery Director, highlighted the role of robust communications in the project’s success:
“Connectivity is vital for this project. A high-quality, reliable connection helps us operate at the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
"So, it’s an important step to be working with VodafoneThree and Fern Communications to provide what we need on site.
"It has the added benefit of providing 5G for the local area too: another great example of how benefits to the project can go hand-in-hand with benefits for the local community.”
VodafoneThree’s scope of work includes the construction of two masts to provide full 5G coverage across the Sizewell C site and neighbouring areas.
Its local partner, Fern Communications—now part of OEG—will eliminate radio black spots by delivering a seamless two-way radio network for on-site operations.
Building the digital backbone for energy transition
The integration of 5G and fibre into Sizewell C’s construction site offers a significant boost to productivity, collaboration and safety.
Real-time data exchange, enhanced mobile communications and access to secure wireless LANs and WANs will allow thousands of workers to operate more efficiently on a complex and high-security site.
VodafoneThree’s fibre installation will support full-site WiFi, enabling high-speed connectivity for all personnel and digital systems.
The infrastructure will drive everything from digital work orders and logistics to safety monitoring and the transfer of engineering data.
Empowering local industry and the regional economy
The agreement delivers benefits beyond the project’s boundaries. Improved mobile coverage and digital infrastructure will enhance connectivity for local residents and businesses.
Fern Communications, headquartered in Suffolk, plays a key role in the project, reinforcing commitments to regional supply chains and community investment.
Clive Cushion, Technical Director at Fern Communications, stated:
“As a Suffolk-based company with a diverse workforce and deep roots in the energy industry, we are thrilled to partner with VodafoneThree on a project of such national importance.
"Our mission is to deliver an unparalleled communications system that will support Sizewell C’s operational efficiency, safety and long-term success.”
Supporting net zero and national energy security
Sizewell C is majority-owned by the UK government and represents a long-term investment in clean, independent energy.
The project aims to reduce carbon emissions by nine million tonnes annually and create thousands of skilled jobs across the UK, including 1,500 apprenticeships.
The projection is that approximately 70% of the construction value will benefit British suppliers.
VodafoneThree is already the connectivity partner for Sizewell C’s sister site, Hinkley Point C in Somerset, which works with 100% of the UK’s distribution operators as well as gas and electricity transmission. Its recent partnerships, including with SP Energy Networks, reinforce its leadership in supporting digital transformation across the UK’s energy sector.
Nick Gliddon, Business Director at VodafoneThree, concluded:
“We are delighted to be the connectivity partner for Sizewell C. Alongside our contractors, we will deliver robust, secure and resilient communications infrastructure that is essential to the success of one of the UK’s most significant energy projects and to support the UK’s transition to cleaner energy.”
As the UK accelerates towards its 2030 clean power goals, the Sizewell C partnership highlights the importance of advanced telecoms infrastructure in modern energy construction and long-term sustainability.
