The firm believes the UK’s £20bn nuclear construction programme is still viable despite the coalition government’s decision not to support the plans with any public subsidies.

EDF wants to build four new reactors at Hinkley Point in Somerset and Sizewell in Suffolk .

The plants would generate 13% of all UK electricity. A final decision on whether to proceed with the plans is not due to be taken until 2011.

Vincent de Rivaz, the chief executive of EDF in Britain said: “Energy secretary Chris Huhne has already provided important reassurances that he will take a pragmatic approach to new nuclear power as long as it can be built without subsidy.

“The commitments from the coalition government envisage a proper role for nuclear and have reassured us at EDF, as we contemplate the very serious investment we are proposing to make in nuclear power in the UK.”