Apollo to Fund $4.5 Billion Loan for UK Nuclear Project, Marking Major Investment in British Energy

US investment giant Apollo backs critical nuclear development, boosting UK energy security

Apollo Global Management, one of the world’s largest private equity firms, is set to supply a $4.5 billion loan to support the construction of a major new nuclear plant in the United Kingdom, according to company officials and sources close to the deal (source). The agreement, announced Friday, is poised to become one of the country’s largest private capital infusions into nuclear infrastructure, underscoring renewed confidence in the sector and ramping up the UK’s drive towards energy security and net-zero emissions.

Powerful Financial Backing for a Strategic UK Energy Initiative

The financing is slated for the Sizewell C nuclear power project in Suffolk—a cornerstone of the British government’s ambitious energy plans. The Apollo loan will provide a significant chunk of the capital needed for the project’s next phase, according to people familiar with the matter. Expected to deliver reliable, low-carbon power to millions of UK homes upon completion in the early 2030s, Sizewell C is a critical pillar in the nation’s shift away from fossil fuels.

Apollo’s decision to back the project comes amid mounting calls for greater energy independence in response to global supply chain disruptions and soaring gas prices, as well as the UK's need to decarbonize in line with international climate commitments.

H2: What the Apollo Loan Means for the UK’s Nuclear Renaissance

Over the past decade, UK nuclear construction has been beset by uncertainties, with high costs deterring many private backers. The Apollo loan marks a transformative moment, and is expected to encourage similar investments from institutional players, according to energy market analysts.

“This deal sends a strong signal to global capital that UK nuclear is investable again,” said Dr. Amira Patel, senior research fellow at the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House). “With secure private financing, projects like Sizewell C take a huge step from planning to realization.”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak welcomed the announcement, stating Friday: “This historic investment will help secure our energy future, generate thousands of skilled jobs, and cut harmful emissions. It demonstrates that Britain remains a world leader in clean energy innovation.”

H2: Project Details and Financial Arrangements

The $4.5 billion loan forms part of an estimated $30 billion funding package for Sizewell C, which is being developed primarily by French utility EDF and UK government partners. Construction is expected to take roughly a decade, employing up to 10,000 workers at peak.

Apollo’s loan is structured as senior secured debt—anchoring a broader syndicated financing round, sources said. The terms are designed to provide long-term capital stability, with repayments scheduled over several decades, contingent upon the project’s operational performance.

The investment comes at a time when the UK government has rolled out new policy incentives, including the Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model, aimed at reducing investor risk in major infrastructure.

H3: Strategic and Environmental Implications

Sizewell C is planned to deliver 3.2 gigawatts of power—enough for around six million homes—significantly bolstering the UK’s clean energy mix. The British government has set a target for 24 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2050, representing roughly a quarter of future electricity demand.

Environmental campaigners remain divided. While some welcome the reduction in carbon emissions, others highlight ongoing concerns about nuclear waste and construction impacts.

“Ensuring full transparency and the highest safety standards will be crucial,” said Greenpeace UK’s chief scientist Dr. Doug Parr. “The transition to net-zero must prioritize sustainability at every step.”

H2: Broader Investment Trends and Market Reaction

Apollo’s move could pave the way for further institutional involvement in UK nuclear projects and other green infrastructure. The deal also reflects expanding appetites among private equity and pension funds for assets tied to energy transition themes.

According to a recent report from BloombergNEF, global private investment in low-carbon energy infrastructure surged to $505 billion last year, a 15% year-over-year increase. Nuclear, while still a smaller component, is regaining momentum as a proven, scalable option for baseload power.

Financial markets responded favorably to the announcement, with shares in UK-listed utility partners advancing in morning trading.

H2: Next Steps and Looking Ahead

With this financing secured, EDF and its partners are expected to begin major preparatory work at the Suffolk site, aiming for construction to ramp up later this year.

The British government is currently exploring additional incentives to encourage private and international capital into net-zero critical infrastructure, ranging from energy storage to advanced nuclear technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

Apollo’s landmark loan signals a turning point for nuclear investment in the UK, offering a crucial boost toward national energy security and climate goals. As Sizewell C moves closer to reality, the project is likely to serve as a bellwether for future public-private collaboration in building the next generation of clean energy assets.

Sources Used in Research

CNBC: Apollo to supply $4.5 billion loan to UK nuclear energy project

UK Government press releases

BloombergNEF Global Energy Investment Report

Chatham House commentary on nuclear energy

Greenpeace UK statements on nuclear projects