"Large infrastructure schemes are very expensive and require long-term, reliable and committed investors who have an appetite for risk. The Chinese meet all of these requirements," he said.

"Partnerships between UK and Chinese companies will support UK advanced manufacturing and drive competitive pricing for reactor components and create a drive for innovation, leading to reduction of cost and schedule risk."

He said there are great technical advantages for Chinese cooperation in the UK's nuclear sector, as China is on track to become a leading proponent of civil nuclear technology.

"The Chinese government is moving at pace to develop civil nuclear technology and in doing so creating leading edge skills, knowledge and experience of new technologies.

"For the UK to maintain civil nuclear capability, we need to embrace technology leaders, partner with them, learn with them and drive innovative thinking for our future energy needs," Tynan said.