AN £18BN nuclear development can provide a catalyst for North-East businesses to strengthen their order books, it has been claimed.

NOF Energy says Government approval for Hinkley Point C provides certainty for industry and avenues for companies to tap into potentially lucrative contracts.

Ministers today (Thursday, September 15) reached an agreement with French energy firm EDF over Hinkley, saying new safeguards on foreign investment and infrastructure gave them confidence to support the venture.

Bosses claim construction and operation of Hinkley will create 26,000 jobs and apprenticeships.

Responding to the decision, George Rafferty, chief executive of Durham-based NOF, which supports hundreds of oil, gas, nuclear and renewables firms, said the region’s businesses were well placed to support Hinkley’s evolution.

He said: “Nuclear forms an important part of a balanced energy mix and this decision should bring some much-needed certainty to the sector and a step towards meeting the country’s future power requirements.

“It will also be a boost for the supply chain, which includes NOF members that are experienced in the nuclear sector or have transferable products, services and skills that can be applied to projects such as Hinkley Point C.”

Chinese state-owned company CGN, which has a third stake in the scheme, said it was delighted with the decision, adding it is now eyeing more sites in Essex and Suffolk.

The Government’s agreement with EDF means it can prevent the sale of the French firm’s controlling stake before completion of construction.

Middlesbrough-born Greg Clark, Business Secretary, added: “We have always been clear nuclear is an important part of ensuring our future low-carbon energy security.”