British and French firms set to advance nuclear build in UK

Prime minister David Cameron and French president Nicolas Sarkozy witnessed the signing of a deal worth £400m on nuclear reactors between Rolls-Royce and AREVA, which includes the first EPR reactors at Hinkley Point in Somerset. This will underpin a new Rolls-Royce factory in Rotherham and support 1,200 new jobs across the nuclear supply chain in Britain.

Lawrie Haynes, president of nuclear at Rolls-Royce, said: ‘Rolls-Royce has broad nuclear experience, a strong track record and an extensive nuclear-certified supply chain. Together with AREVA, we will work to successfully deliver new civil nuclear projects in the UK and around the world.’

In addition, an engineering contract was signed between EDF and Kier/BAM for a proposed nuclear power plant at Hinkley Point, Somerset, which could be worth £100m for companies operating in the south west, creating a further 350 jobs.

Finally, a £15m investment was made towards a new world-class training campus in Bridgwater, Somerset, for EDF employees, new starters and the local community.