The design of the new EPR nuclear reactor currently elaborated by French power utility Electricite de France SA (EDF.FR) and nuclear engineering firm Areva SA (AREVA.FR) is on course to be approved by U.K. regulators by the end of the year.

MAIN FACTS:

- EDF said the update from regulators means that the UK EPR remains on schedule to be approved by the end of this year, in time for a decision from EDF Energy on whether to proceed with the project.

- The EPR reactor design is planned for new nuclear power stations at Hinkley Point and Sizewell.

- According to EDF, a report from the U.K. regulator recognizes "the improvements in the quality and timeliness of the submissions" made by EDF Energy and AREVA to address issues during the last six months, and concludes that "closure of all issues should be achievable before the end of the year".

- Write to Inti Landauro at inti.landauro@dowjones.com

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