WORK could start on Hinkley Point C in a matter of weeks after the Chinese government officially confirmed on Wednesday that it would foot a third of the cost of the £18 billion project.

Developer EDF Energy has already prepared the site for the proposed station – alongside the existing A and B stations at Hinkley – and has long insisted it is “shovel ready” to begin construction in earnest once finances are in place.

EDF chairman Jean-Bernard Lévy said the French company was hoping to make a long-awaited final investment decision “within weeks”- a decision which will finally seal the deal on the project.

“I am confident that our experience and ability mean we will successfully deliver Hinkley Point C and subsequent projects,” he said.

“We are planning for a final investment decision within weeks so that we can move forward with construction.”

If all goes according to plan, Hinkley C is expected to be generating electricity by 2025.

Confirmation of the Chinese investment came on the second day of a state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The agreement includes a wider UK partnership for the Chinese to help develop new nuclear power stations at Sizewell and Bradwell.

“Today marks a big step forward for EDF’s 30 year partnership with our Chinese partner CGN (China General Nuclear Power Corporation),” Mr Lévy said following the announcement.

“Our ambitious nuclear projects are strongly supported by the governments of the UK, China and France and they will bring benefits to all three countries.”

EDF and CGN have been working as industrial partners for 30 years, including a joint venture to build two EPR reactors at Taishan – the same technology chosen for Hinkley C.

CGN will make its £6 billion investment in the UK through a new company called General Nuclear International.

And while EDF said it will retain a majority share in the project, the company confirmed it would look to bring other investors onboard in the future.