11 May (NucNet): The utility Centrica will help build a new generation of nuclear power plants in the UK as part of a deal with French energy giant Electricité de France (EDF), it was announced today.
The company, which owns British Gas, has formed a partnership with EDF to construct, develop and build at least four new reactors.
Centrica also announced today that it has taken a 20 percent stake in British Energy, owned by EDF, for 2.3 billion pounds (3.4 billion US dollars, 2.5 billion euro).
Centrica said it was investing in British Energy to take advantage of “the development and construction of the next generation of nuclear power stations which will be central to securing the future electricity requirements in the UK”.
In 2008, EDF announced its intention to build four European Pressurised Water Reactors (EPRs) in the UK with the aim of having the first reactor operational by the end of 2017. Centrica now has the right to participate in these projects, the company said.
>>Related reports in the NucNet database (available to subscribers)
UK Names Potential Sites For New Nuclear Units (News in Brief No. 43, 15 April 2009)
French And German Groups Win UK Nuclear Land Auction (News No. 38, 30 April 2009)
