Brookfield went long on a power plant that might not light up until 2035.

2 Minute Read

 

Meanwhile, your cousin’s still holding Dogecoin.

In the world’s most casually priced infrastructure transaction this week, Brookfield Asset Management has agreed to take a 25% stake in Sizewell C, the UK’s next-generation nuclear power station, with the kind of confidence usually reserved for pre-ordering limited-edition LEGO sets.

The massive project—expected to cost somewhere between £40 and £54 billion, depending on how many concrete pours and regulatory curveballs occur—is being funded under the UK’s "regulated asset base" (RAB) model. This charming financial invention lets investors earn returns before the plant is even built. In other words:

"Why wait for the reactor to turn on when you can turn on the revenue stream now?"

Brookfield joins French utility EDF, which remains the majority owner and builder, and the UK government, which still holds a 20% stake and is reportedly thrilled someone else showed up to the funding party.

For Brookfield, the move aligns with its infrastructure-first strategy, and nuclear energy gives the portfolio a solid, glow-in-the-dark sheen of long-term stability. Plus, it’s hard to resist a project that lets you invest in clean energy and British engineering without having to worry about wind direction.

The investment also helps the UK meet its ambitious decarbonization targets while showcasing the benefits of private capital in public infrastructure—because nothing says “net zero” quite like a multinational conglomerate elbowing into the reactor room with a spreadsheet.

Construction on Sizewell C is expected to begin in earnest soon, with plans for two EPR (European Pressurized Reactor) units that should power up to 6 million homes. Eventually.

Until then, Brookfield gets to enjoy the rare financial pleasure of owning a piece of a power plant that doesn't exist yet—but definitely will, probably, in 2035 or so.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. The information provided may be outdated or contain inaccuracies. Always conduct your own due diligence and consult a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal.

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