Electricity group EDF would lead the bidding by a French consortium for a prospective nuclear reactor in Abu Dhabi. This last minute change has been made sensing some local issues as reported by Les Echos on Wednesday.

The paper, without providing the source of information, claimed that EDF was considered more suitable for leading the bid given to its better understanding of the administrative environment. Initially, a team led by the world's biggest nuclear reactor maker Areva, GDF Suez and Total was selected to lead the bidding.

The Board of Directors of EDF held a meeting on Tuesday, discussing the new plans for the proposed bidding for which a consortium is being formed in which EDF and gas group GDF Suez would retain total 10 per cent stakes with 45 percent stake retaining both companies in the total share.

Henri Proglio, the new head of the French nuclear power giant added, "What is envisaged today, although nothing is set yet, is a management structure for the project, in which EDF would head up the project in association with GDF Suez."