An Anglo-French partnership to build what could become the first of a series of new generation nuclear reactors in the UK could create 15,000 manufacturing and engineering jobs over the next 25 years.

French nuclear firm Areva, engineering and automotive giant Rolls-Royce and construction firm Balfour Beatty will together engineer and construct new plants in the UK.

Areva is already working closely with energy giants E.ON of Germany and EDF of France. Both firms are expected to participate in the UK’s nuclear new-build plans.

The BBC reported Mike O’Brien, minister of state for energy and climate change, saying the latest agreement alone would “provide up to 15,000 British manufacturing and construction jobs for 25 years”.

“This is good news for British manufacturing and engineering at a time when good news is much needed.”