Developing new nuclear power stations requires a substantial investment, and RWE and E.ON will together contribute the financial stability and balance sheet strength required to support a programme of this scale.

The companies have stakes in 20 nuclear power stations around the world. In addition, E.ON and RWE already jointly own three nuclear reactors in Germany.

Andrew Duff, Chief Executive of RWE npower, said: "New nuclear build is a key part of RWE npower's commitment to meet the UK's energy needs and to reduce carbon dioxide intensity. E.ON is the ideal partner for UK development given that our businesses have complementary strengths and capabilities, and a successful track record in nuclear power.

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"The UK power industry needs significant investment to replace aging coal and nuclear plant and to drive the change to a lower carbon economy. This joint venture will deliver an early, substantial and vital contribution from nuclear power. At the same time, large infrastructure projects can bring major benefits to the UK economy through jobs, direct investment and supply chain opportunities."

Dr Paul Golby, Chief Executive of E.ON UK, said: "The UK has to replace a third of its generating capacity in the next 15 years in a way that ensures security of supply, reduces carbon emissions and keeps energy as affordable as possible.

"The only way we can achieve this is to have a diverse energy mix, and new nuclear power, alongside cleaner fossil fuels, renewables and energy efficiency, will be vital going forward."

The joint venture retains an open position on the reactor technology for individual sites it acquires and will make a selection based on a thorough assessment of the technical and commercial merits.

(GK/JM)