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China's leader is expected to put the seal later on its contribution to what will be the first UK nuclear power plant to be built in a generation, BBC reported.

The plant could be opened by 2025 at Hinkley Point, in Somerset, with China likely to cover about 30% of the cost. President Xi Jinping is meeting Prime Minister David Cameron later, on the second day of his UK state visit.

More than £30bn worth of deals between the UK and China are expected to be struck during the four-day visit. The plant will be built by French energy firm EDF, in conjunction with a consortium led by Chinese state-owned nuclear company CGN.

Two other nuclear power stations, at Sizewell in Suffolk, and Bradwell in Essex, could follow as part of the deal with China.

Last month, Chancellor George Osborne visited China and secured the deal under which Beijing will invest in Hinkley Point.

Kamal Ahmed, BBC business editor, said: "In brute pounds and pence, it will be the largest inward investment ever in the UK.

"Such is the significance of the agreement, it will be left to the leaders of Britain and China to announce the partnership."