UK firms secure Chinese energy deals

Rolls-Royce, BP, and Shell win contracts on second day of China's UK trade mission

The UK has agreed a series of energy deals with China following the second day of China's UK trade mission.  

BP signed an £11.8 billion contract to provide state-owned China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) with liquefied natural gas (LNG) for 20 years.

Meanwhile, Royal Dutch Shell extended an agreement with CNOOC to work on energy projects around the world, including LNG.

The deals were signed at talks in Downing Street with Prime Minister David Cameron and the Chinese premier Li Keqiang.

Meanwhile, Rolls-Royce signed a memorandum of understanding with Chinese nuclear reactor manufacturer SNPTC to co-operate on civil nuclear power projects in the UK and other markets.

The UK-based firm currently supplies emergency diesel generators to almost 40% of all nuclear reactors in China that are in operation or under construction and more than 70% of the safety-critical equipment.

Maidstone-based manufacturer MAP Environmental and Chinese counterpart Z N Shine Solar also entered into a joint venture to purchase, develop, construct and manage £400 million of UK solar energy equipment, which will create up to 550 jobs in the UK.