The government's Performance and Innovation Unit has published its long-awaited review of energy policy.

The review argues that better efficiency is the cheapest way of maintaining security of supply and meeting climate change targets.

The report also recommends that renewables should be supplying 20 per cent of the UK's electricity's needs by 2020.

Forum Response: BNFL

Hugh Collum, chairman of BNFL, told ePolitix.com: "We have been calling for clarity on the future of energy policy in this country for a long time. We welcome this report which confirms that nuclear generation will continue to remain an integral part of UK's future energy mix.

"Only by rational, open debate can we hope to stimulate sufficient education and understanding for the issues to be considered on their merits. The PIU report, together with the recent inquiry by the House of Commons Trade and Industry Committee, are welcome contributors to the debate. This will allow informed choices of our energy options to be made for the future,"

Norman Askew, chief executive of BNFL, told ePolitix.com: "The report is quite clear in stating that we must keep the nuclear option. However, if we do not act now on some key policy issues and in a more timely way than recommended by the PIU, nuclear generation will not be an option for the future.

"Our view is that a low carbon future can only be delivered with nuclear generation and renewables contributing in tandem as part of a balanced energy mix. Nuclear power can provide reliable carbon free baseload generation, against a backdrop of increasing demand. Without nuclear's contribution, this country cannot have a continued, secure, diverse and environmentally friendly energy supply.

"I am pleased that in its report the PIU has made a number of recommendations which recognise that without these important policy changes nuclear may not be part of the future energy mix."

Forum Response: British Energy

Robin Jeffrey, executive chairman of British Energy, told ePolitix.com: "Britain now needs to move ahead with a balanced, secure and stable energy policy - and British Energy is ready to play a key role with major nuclear and renewable energy generation developments.

"It's a promising start and the issues are clear - but it's now time to start taking real decisions. For British Energy, that means taking forward our 'Replace Nuclear with Nuclear' programme, and our UK renewable energy projects.

"The Energy Policy Review acknowledges the valuable role played by nuclear generation and renewable energy. The UK has a real opportunity to take a lead in showing how nuclear, fossil fuel, renewables and hydro power, along with energy savings, can combine to produce a strategy which is balanced, secure and sustainable.

"The government must ensure we have the right political and market frameworks - and that'll be good for the environment, good for energy customers, and good for British Energy's shareholders."

Forum Response: Innogy

A spokesman for Innogy told ePolitix.com: "We welcome today's report. It clearly sets out the challenge for the achievement of a more sustainable energy policy and in doing so it has wide ranging implications for all energy companies and their customers."

Forum Response: Energy Saving Trust

Dr Eoin Lees, chief executive of the Energy Saving Trust, told ePolitix.com: "At long last energy efficiency has lost its status as the poor relation in energy policy. This report is great news for the fight against climate change. It offers consumers the chance to have warmer and more comfortable homes, and cheaper bills.

"Our research shows that people want a sustainable approach to the delivery of energy in this country - predict and provide is no longer satisfactory. It's now up to the government to follow through with a UK energy efficiency strategy that details how the targets will be met. We look forward to the prime minister's response."