OREANDA-NEWS. Horizon Nuclear Power Limited ("Horizon"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd.(TSE: 6501, "Hitachi"), The Japan Atomic Power Company ("JAPC") and Hitachi today announced it had signed a deal for the provision of technical support services on the proposed Wylfa Newydd Power Station in North Wales.

A pioneer of nuclear power generation, JAPC will work with Horizon as grows its own operational capability in readiness to run Wylfa Newydd. Under the deal Horizon will draw on JAPC's experience and know-how gained from many years of involvement with boiling water reactors, covering their design, construction, operation and maintenance. JAPC oversaw the construction of Japan's first light water reactor and will now support Horizon in areas such as construction costing, licensing, and planning for commissioning.

The news follows last month's announcement of contracts signed with the newly formed consortium Menter Newydd to prepare for the construction phase of the power station. Menter Newydd comprises Bechtel, JGC and Hitachi Nuclear Energy Europe.

Duncan Hawthorne, Chief Executive Officer of Horizon said: "We are building a world class operational workforce and capability at Horizon and will draw on a number of the best in class companies from around the world to complement our extensive UK experience and regulatory relationships. JAPC has highly professional people who've had direct access to BWR*1 technology and I am delighted we will benefit from such a wealth of experience, lessons learned and insight. It's another strong sign of the progress we're making."

Mamoru Muramatsu, President, The Japan Atomic Power Company said: "We are delighted to be able to cooperate in the project for the new nuclear power station at Wylfa Newydd. Our company's Tokai Nuclear Power Station, which was Japan's first commercial nuclear power station, was introduced from the UK. Taking advantage of the many years of operating experience, and the know-how gained from that experience, beginning with the Tokai Nuclear Power Station, and including the Tokai No. 2 Nuclear Power Station (BWR) and Tsuruga Nuclear Power Station No. 1 and No. 2 (No. 1: a BWR, No. 2: PWR*2), we will help to ensure that Wylfa Newydd is built successfully.