Nuclear power station operator British Energy was today said to be weighing up an £11bn (€13.7bn) takeover approach from German utility business RWE.

British Energy today warned the remainder of its financial year will be “significantly impacted” by problems at two of its nuclear stations.

Nuclear power company British Energy faced more output problems today after complications during a planned inspection at its Hartlepool site.

Troubled nuclear power group British Energy warned today of a further blow to its finances because of delays returning a major plant to service.