Commenting on the announcement from the Office for Nuclear Regulation Mike Clancy, deputy general secretary, said: "This announcement marks a watershed, not just because of its importance in securing future low carbon energy generation capacity within the UK, but also because of the massive boost it will give to the economy.

"This is a major stepping stone in a process that will ultimately provide thousands of high-value, highly skilled jobs both within the construction industry, and for operating staff at sites across the country who will be tasked with running the new plants for the next 60 to 70 years.

"It is particularly welcome to note that lessons to come out of Dr Weightman's report into the Fukushima incident are already feeding into the designs of the UK's new fleet."

Clancy added that the regulator's decision to grant interim acceptance to both Westinghouse's AP1000® and Areva and EDF's UK EPR models would allow operators a choice of technology, and therefore capitalise on the best of both designs while providing a diversity of supply.

Other sites earmarked for the construction of the UK's new nuclear fleet by 2025 include Bradwell, Hartlepool, Heysham, Oldbury, Sizewell, Sellafield and Wylfa.