Secretary of State for Energy Chris Huhne announced the construction of the plants, which will begin operating between 2018 and 2025.
He also announced a drive to put up wind turbines around the coast, install more solar panels in homes, and invest in technology to limit polluting emissions from conventional coal-fired power stations.
The sites identified as suitable are alongside existing nuclear plants in Bradwell, Essex; Hartlepool; Heysham, Lancashire; Hinkley Point, Somerset; Oldbury, Gloucestershire; Sellafield, Cumbria; Sizewell, Suffolk; and Wylfa, Anglesey.
Existing nuclear power stations will also be allowed to extend their life until the new plants are built.