The NuGen nuclear power project in England is due to start producing energy in 2025, a year later than expected, consultation documents published on Wednesday showed.

A joint venture between Japan's Toshiba and France's Engie, the plant in Cumbria in North West England is planned to comprise three reactors.

"NuGen's construction schedule aims for deployment of the first of three reactors by the end of 2025," the consultation document read.

Previously, the project aimed to be up and running by 2024.

Located close to the existing Sellafield nuclear site and dubbed "Moorside", the project should have three AP1000 reactors designed by Westinghouse with a combined capacity of up to 3.8 gigawatts.

"The Moorside Project is still in the development phase and we remain on track to achieve the Final Investment Decision (FID) in 2018," a spokesperson for NuGen said.

The spokesperson added that it was "not correct to characterise our progress in these areas as delay".

The joint venture is 60 percent owned by Toshiba and 40 percent owned by Engie, previously known as GDF Suez.

Britain is aiming to develop nuclear energy to secure its future needs.

French energy giant EDF plans to build another nuclear plant at Hinkley Point in Britain in a joint project with China General Nuclear Power Corporation, but there is uncertainty over the cost of the venture.

A final decision on the plant's development, due this month, has been delayed amid reticence among unions and within the government.

President Francois Hollande renewed his support for the project on Tuesday, saying "I am in favour that this project goes ahead."

jmi-nol/pvh

EDF - ELECTRICITE DE FRANCE

TOSHIBA

Engie