DORSET could feel the multi-million pound benefits of a colossal new nuclear power station being built in a neighbouring county.

Almost 100 Dorset companies have already registered an interest to act as suppliers and contractors for the £18 billion Hincley Point C plant on the north Somerset coast, which was given the go-ahead by the Government on Thursday.

Operators EDF Energy are keen to ensure the benefits of the massive scheme, which is 60 miles from Weymouth, are felt in the wider South West region.

The power station, which will deliver 7 per cent of the UK’s electricity in 2025, will create 25,000 jobs over the construction period and hundreds of apprenticeships.

It is estimated that 900 people will work at the site during its 60 years of operation.

An estimated £100 million will be ploughed into the South West during construction. Over the lifetime of the project, the regional economy will benefit by a further £40 million a year.

In addition to creating jobs, the project is expect to provide substantial opportunities for local and regional companies.

Many businesses have already registered their interest on a supplier database managed by the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, and South West suppliers have already been announced as preferred bidders for the project with combined contract values of more than £225 million.

The Chamber has been compiling the database for a while, listing supplier details and mapping capabilities against project requirements.

The Chamber said just shy of 100 Dorset businesses had registered an interest.

This includes firms specialising in project management, construction, waste management, transport and storage, landscaping services, access and safety, professional and technical services, and civil engineering.

A spokesman said: “The opportunities for business reach across the whole of Somerset and the South West and are very much there for the taking.

“We are keen to ensure that as many businesses benefit from the project as possible and we would actively encourage businesses to register an interest by registering on the Hinkley Supply Chain Portal via hinkleysupplychain.co.uk”.

Construction will be undertaken through around 160 main ‘Tier 1’ contractors, which will need support from a supply chain of Tier 2s firms, which will in turn need support from Tier 3 and 4 companies. This extensive chain will involve thousands of local, regional, national and international suppliers.

For decades, Dorset was the base for cutting-edge developments in nuclear power at the former Atomic Energy Establishment at Winfrith. The site, which is now being decommissioned, was a major centre for groundbreaking reactor development from the late 1950s to the 1990s and employed thousands of people.

Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said: “The south west of England has a proud nuclear heritage and an experienced nuclear supply chain across Dorset including Ultra Electronics among others.

"The opportunities at Hinkley have only really just begun and the UK supply chain has been preparing for this, ready to maximise the benefits this massive, multi-billion pound project will generate.”

Cllr Robert Gould, Leader of Dorset County Council, said: "We broadly welcome the Government's approval of the new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point. It is a huge construction project that will have implications for the south west as a whole.

"We will be looking for any opportunities to maximise the benefits for Dorset businesses as part of the supply chain, such as support for learning and skills."

West Dorset MP Oliver letwin said: "This decision will certainly bring a large amount of new, high value business to the South West.

"We, here in West Dorset, have a range of superb engineering firms, and I'm sure they will all be sharpening pencils."