BRITISH Energy and BNFL have signed an agreement to work towards using a new advanced pressurised water reactor. The companies, which run Dungeness A and B are looking into the feasibility of the Westinghouse AP1000.

This is a potential nuclear power station option that could replace existing UK plants when they reach the end of their planned operating lives. For Dungeness this will be 2006.

Speaking at the signing of the formal agreement in London, BNFL's chief executive, Norman Askew, said: "BNFL, through our Westinghouse business, has developed one of the world's most advanced reactor technology systems, the AP1000.

"This reactor design is ready for development now and we are delighted that British Energy want to pursue this option with us further. This agreement is the first concrete commitment from two companies since the publication of the PIU report and represents a significant step forward in the quest to build a replacement nuclear power station in the UK."