Initial work including preparatory design studies for the Wlyfa power station to be built on the Isle of Anglesey will be carried out up to the end of 2010, with the station expected to be commissioned by 2020.

Horizon COO Alan Raymant said that they are working with both companies in a formal procurement process regarding the preferred vendor.

Areva will provide site-specific design studies on its EPR reactor, while NPDUK will provide its studies on its new AP1000 design.

"Progressing with some studies now, for both designs, will support our planning and licensing process by allowing us to develop the site-specific designs, and make us a more informed buyer," Raymant said.

Horizon, a joint venture between EON and RWE, plans to select a preferred vendor by end of the year.