The progress on approval for the EPR reactor design planned for new nuclear power stations at Hinkley Point and Sizewell would help EDF Energy in time when the firm will take the final call on whether to proceed with the project.
The Office of Nuclear Regulation’s latest Generic Design Assessment (GDA) update confirms the closure of six further GDA issues.
Areva UK chairman Alain-Pierre Raynaud commented, "We are encouraged by this very positive report and the momentum which has built up to resolve the remaining issues.
EDF Energy Nuclear New Build managing director Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson said the latest move is another significant step that will bring the company closer to being able to deliver the infrastructure project at Hinkley Point in Somerset.
"Subject to a final decision to invest, these will be the first new nuclear reactors built in the UK for around 20 years," Cadoux-Hudson added.
"The proposed new station at Hinkley will provide enough low carbon electricity to power five million homes. We welcome this recognition that we are set to see the EPR design licensed for use in the UK before the end of the year."
