The application for Development Consent was expected to be made in March but was delayed by the coronavirus outbreak.

Sizewell C will be built as a twin reactor plant next to Sizewell B

If approved, Sizewell C will supply around 6m homes with low carbon electricity.

EDF said the nuclear power station could provide a huge stimulus to the UK economy following the pandemic.

Around 25,000 jobs and 1,000 apprenticeships will be created during construction.

Up to 70% of the construction value will be spent with firms across the UK, including in the East of England, Wales, and in the North.

The 3.2-gigawatt Sizewell C will be a near replica of Hinkley Point C in Somerset.

By using the same design, EDF hopes to benefit from reduced construction costs and lower risk.

Innovative financing has the potential to reduce costs even further making the scheme up to 20% cheaper than Hinkley C.

Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson CBE, Managing Director, Sizewell C said: “Sizewell C is a net zero infrastructure project ready to kick-start the economy following the Coronavirus crisis.

“It will offer thousands of high-quality job opportunities and long-term employment for people living in Suffolk and it will strengthen the nuclear supply chain across the country.

“On top of the economic benefits, Sizewell C will avoid 9 million tonnes of CO2 being pumped into the atmosphere each year. The project will play a key role in lowering emissions while helping the UK keep control of its low carbon future.”

The planning process is likely to take 18 months to complete and the government will make the final decision on whether to give the green light to the scheme.