UK and France sign nuclear power accord

• 12 years ago (2012-02-17)
• Junior Isles

Europe 1061 Nuclear 640

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UK Prime Minister David Cameron and French President Nicolas Sarkozy are to sign an accord on civilian nuclear cooperation in light of the British government’s plan to build a new generation of power stations.

Diplomatic relations between Britain and France have been strained recently, after Cameron’s refusal to back a European Union accord to strengthen the euro in December and by Sarkozy’s push for an EU-wide financial-transaction tax.

Mr Cameron’s office says the two leaders now aim to strengthen damaged ties through cooperative ventures, including deals between Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc and Areva SA, and between EDF SA and a joint venture of Kier Group Plc and BAM Nuttall Ltd. Both relate to new nuclear generation at Hinkley Point, Somerset.

“We will combine our expertise to strengthen industrial partnership, improve nuclear safety and create jobs at home,” Cameron said in an e-mailed statement. “The deals signed today will create more than 1500 jobs in the UK, but they are just the beginning. My goal is clear. I want the vast majority of the content of our new nuclear plants to be constructed, manufactured and engineered by British companies.”

According to Cameron, deals to be signed today include a £400 million ($630 million) agreement for Rolls-Royce to manufacture equipment and provide servicing for a reactor being built by Areva (CEI), and a £100 million contract for Kier and BAM Nuttall for preliminary building work on the Hinkley Point site for EDF.