China's major nuclear power operator, China General Nuclear Power Corp, denied it is in an early stage to buy a big minority stake in Britain's fleet of nuclear power stations.

The company hasn't conducted related work yet, Huang Xiaofei, spokesperson for the company, told China Daily on Monday.

The comment came after reports saying CGN is considering an approach for a share of up to 49 percent in the eight power stations, which generate a fifth of the nation's electricity.

The stake, worth up to ￡4 billion ($5.3 billion), is being sold by Centrica, the parent company of British Gas, and the French giant EDF, according to the Times.