NUCLEAR regulators have been asked by the Government to begin the process of approving a Chinese-designed reactor for a new power plant in Bradwell-on-Sea.

The China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN) and EDF Energy submitted a joint application to the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy in October last year.

The Government has now asked nuclear regulators to begin the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) on the Chinese HPR1000 reactor.

The Government’s request marks a key step in the development over a power station in Bradwell.

The proposed Bradwell project is still in an early pre-planning stage, which will involve years and investigative works and public consultations before detailed proposals are produced allowing a planning application to be made.

A UK version of HPR1000 reactor – currently being constructed in China - is intended to be built at Bradwell following approval by the GDA.

Zhu Minhong, General Manager of CGN UK said: “The robust independence of the UK’s regulators is seen across the world as a key strength for nuclear in Britain. This is a quality which we value and respect. CGN and EDF will bring to this enterprise their joint experience in China, Britain and France over many years.”