It is trying to get two designs for advanced reactors certified for use in the U.S. by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and is marketing the reactors in many other nations, including throughout Asia.

WSJ: GE Steps Up Aid in Reactor Crisis

Mr Ishizuka acknowledges that the company is taking a risk, though given that Hitachi knows how to build advanced boiling water reactors and that it now owns the land on which to build them, he is firmly optimistic.

BBC: Hitachi's nuclear deal still faces hurdles

Power generation by two advanced gas-cooled reactors began in 1983 at the Tees Road plant which was taken over by EDF in 2009.

BBC: Crews tackle fire at Hartlepool nuclear plant