Deal puts EDF at core of UK nuclear industry

London - EDF is paying around £12.5 billion to acquire British Energy Group plc, which operates eight nuclear power stations in the UK. The French-based energy group also plans to build four new reactors - two each at Hinkley and two at Sizewell - with total generating capacity of 6.4GW.

The acquisition, said EDF, will position British Energy at "the vanguard of new nuclear build in the UK and at the centre of the global nuclear renaissance ... Combining the people, knowledge, skills, experience and assets of EDF and British Energy will set the standard for the delivery of safe, economic, low carbon generation both in Britain and around the world."

According to the French group, the acquisition, which has the approval of British Energy, is important for its strategic development plan in the UK. This include targets for a 60% reduction in the "carbon intensity" of its power generation by 2020, by investing in a broad energy mix including nuclear and renewables.