THE company planning to build a new nuclear power station in South Gloucestershire has agreed contracts with four major firms to provide engineering and other technical services.

Horizon Nuclear Power wants to put reactors on land at Shepperdine, next to the existing Oldbury atomic station, which stopped generating power nearly two years ago. The Hitachi subsidiary also aims to build a station at Wylfa in North Wales, which will be the first site Horizon will develop.

Three UK-based firms AMEC, Atkins and Cavendish Nuclear, which all have offices at Aztec West, were selected by Gloucester-based Horizon, along with American company the Jacob Group, which has an office in Stoke Gifford

All four will be working for the next three years with Horizon, which described their input as crucial in helping the company with its planning and preparation for main on-site work at Wylfa from 2018.

Horizon's chief operating officer, Alan Raymant, said: “These contracts underline our aspiration to become a leading new nuclear utility company and demonstrate real momentum.

"Working with our new framework suppliers and their supply chains, I‘m confident we will continue to progress our detailed plans as we prepare for our first formal public consultation next year. The signing of these contracts also highlights our commitment to working with UK suppliers where possible.”

Clive White, president of AMEC’s Clean Energy Europe business, said: “This is a huge investment in the UK’s nuclear industry, creating both national and local employment opportunities and investing in our country’s energy infrastructure.”

Chris Ball, managing director of Atkins’ nuclear business, said: “To be selected as a tier one supplier is testament to the success of Atkins’ long standing relationship with Horizon."

Roger Hardy, Managing Director of Cavendish Nuclear, said: “Horizon’s development plans are of national strategic importance to the UK’s low-carbon future and a major opportunity for UK suppliers.”

Jacobs Group vice-president, Conor Doyle, said: “We are pleased to support Horizon’s vision for a new generation of nuclear power stations that achieve a sustainable socio-economic legacy. We look forward to continuing to build on the strong foundations already in place.”