VT set to join US-led group in building up to 14 nuclear plants in the UAE

VT, the FTSE250 support services group, is this week expected to be named as a member of the US-led consortium to manage the United Arab Emirates' civilian nuclear programme.

CH2M Hill, which is helping to oversee the construction of the London 2012 Olympics venue, was awarded the 10-year contract last month. A UAE source said the construction programme could involve six to 14 nuclear plants.

The source added that Colorado-based CH2M Hill has approached VT to provide "design support" for the proposed facility. "We think that a US/UK solution is a real winner," he said. It is anticipated that VT will be announced as a consortium partner to coincide with a visit by the Prime Minister Gordon Brown to the UAE this week.

FTSE100 engineering group Amec and the UK Atomic Energy Authority are understood to have been among the parties that failed to land the main contract. A VT spokesman declined to comment.