EDF is hoping to finalise its $4.5bn deal with Constellation Energy of the US as early as this week in a move that could prevent any attempt by the French nuclear group’s incoming leadership to pull out of the US market.

EDF said on Monday that it planned to sign the final contract as soon as possible to acquire a 49.99 per cent stake in the existing nuclear assets of its US partner after receiving the final necessary approvals from Maryland state regulators on Friday.