A new generation of nuclear power stations will offer "breathtaking" economic opportunities for British business on a scale not seen since North Sea oil was discovered, John Hutton will say in a speech today.

The business secretary will underline the government's determination to oversee a "significant expansion of nuclear in the UK in the coming decades" rather than simply replacing the existing, ageing fleet of reactors. "I don't want to see just a like for like replacement of nuclear capacity in the UK."