Japan’s Hitachi has announced the creation of a new UK company for a nuclear power project.

It confirmed Hitachi Nuclear Energy Europe will lead its work in a proposed joint venture in the development of Wylfa Newydd.

It has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with two partners – Bechtel Management Company and JGC Corporation.

The new nuclear plant is being developed by Horizon Nuclear Power, a 100% subsidiary of Hitachi.

Two reactors, expected to generate around 2.7GW of energy – enough for five million homes, will be installed.

Shunsuke Utena, Executive Officer of Hitachi Nuclear Energy Europe said: “Wylfa is a UK project and it’s essential that we have devolved UK-management. Hitachi Nuclear Energy Europe, Ltd. will lead our work in the proposed joint venture and further embed Hitachi as a UK nuclear company”.

DECC has also given the go-ahead for the Hinkley Point C nuclear connection project.