Centrica turned down its option of a 20 per cent stake in the programme, citing increasing costs, a lengthening construction timetable, and a growing time period before it would see a return.
EDF Energy chief executive Vincent de Rivaz said the CfD strike price is “now more than ever key to attracting investors and to unlock funding for the project”.
China Guangdong Nuclear Power Group is believed to be leading discussions to invest in the programme. Industry sources say EDF Energy is keen to sell up to a 49 per cent share.
Experts also fear that unless a new partner is found soon, some of EDF Energy’s new nuclear programme could be “pushed back in its totality”.
Roland Vetter, head of research at investment firm CF Partners, said: “The difference is when you look at EDF Energy’s original plans to build up to four new reactors – there are some questions about whether they could do it alone.”
EDF Energy said it remains committed to all four reactors it plans to build at Hinkley Point and Sizewell.
On quitting the new nuclear arena, Centrica wrote off £200 million that was its share of the £1 billion pre-development spending. The company is launching a £500 million share buyback scheme over the next 12 months.