French energy firm EDF has unveiled plans to build four new nuclear reactors in the UK after it agreed to buy British Energy in a £12.5bn deal.
Subject to shareholder and regulatory approval, EDF - 85% owned by the French government - will take over British Energy's eight UK nuclear power plants.
In addition, British Gas owner Centrica said it was in talks to take 25% of the power generated by the enlarged group.
British Energy power plants generate about one sixth of UK energy supply.
A chart showing the ownership of Britain's generating industry is shown below.
