Centrica is reportedly in discussions with other European firms over a GBP10 billion joint bid for the British government's 35% stake in British Energy.
Possible candidates for the partnership include French nuclear firm EDF and Germany’s RWE. British Energy has faced increasing costs for both the maintenance and development of its nuclear plants, leading the company to seek outside help.
Recent speculation over a possible bid from EDF has pushed British Energy’s share prices higher, although there have been concerns over job losses in the UK should a foreign company take control.
The British government has announced its intention to include the development of a new generation of nuclear plants in its strategy for tackling climate change.