UK nuclear industry has high hopes

UK nuclear industry experts have high expectations for forthcoming nuclear discussions between the United Kingdom and China during British Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne's visit to China, which started on Sunday.

They are hoping his visit will facilitate a final investment decision on the UK's planned Hinkley Point nuclear power station, delayed due to an investment shortfall after France's Areva withdrew its 15 percent stake.

In addition, they hope that discussions will begin on Bradwell, a nuclear power plant that is still in the early planning stages but is likely to be built using indigenous third-generation Chinese technology. If successful, it will be the first time Chinese nuclear technology is used to build a plant in a developed economy.