France will this week attempt to salvage a role for its nuclear industry in China’s multi-billion dollar energy programme after Beijing opted for third-generation power plants designed by Westinghouse of the US rather than the French Areva.

Chinese officials arrive in Paris on Tuesday to discuss future industrial cooperation with the French government, which is hoping to secure a role for its EDF electricity group in the construction and operation of the plants. EDF is one of the world’s biggest nuclear operators with 59 reactors in France providing roughly 80 per cent of the country’s electricity needs.