EDF Energy has held a supply chain event in London for UK contractors entitled 'New Nuclear Opportunities', which highlighted the company's plans to invest in new nuclear power stations in the UK and the role that British businesses will have to help deliver the investment.

Energy Minister, Lord Hunt, delivered the keynote address on the subject of the Government's perspective.

EDF Energy intends to build four new EPR reactors in the UK with the first operational by the end of 2017. Such major investment in infrastructure will generate considerable commercial opportunities for the UK supply chain and British workers.

EDF Energy's UK new build programme is expected to lead to the tendering of about 150 contracts worth many billions of pounds.

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Over 300 UK companies attended the event which will help ensure that UK companies are aware of the opportunities that EDF Energy's investment plans will create. Suppliers have been given information about the EDF Energy procurement process and the work packages which will be available for bids.

EDF Energy Chief Executive Vincent de Rivaz said: "This conference is where we begin forging working relationships that will last many years, or even decades. It is no longer about should we build new nuclear plants in the UK, or even when. It is now about how. We have the resources and expertise to make it happen.

"The huge investment we will now make to deliver new nuclear is good news for UK workers because it will create significant employment opportunities over the coming years. We intend to maximise the opportunities for British companies.

"It is also good news for our domestic and business customers who want us to deliver clean, secure and affordable energy.

"We are progressing EDF's plans to build four new EPR nuclear reactors in the UK by 2025. Together we have the expertise, financial capacity, suitable sites and determination to deliver these, with the first operational by the end of 2017."

(CD/JM)