The nuclear industry is still getting the bulk of government spending on energy research and development while renewable energy is starved of funds, Friends of the Earth has said.

The environmental group warns that unless funding policy radically changes then Tony Blair's vision of Britain taking a lead role in the "coming green industrial revolution" will be "little more than hot air".

British Nuclear Industry Forum

Adrian Ham, director general of the British Nuclear Industry Forum, told ePolitix.com: "Nuclear power provides a quarter of the UK's electricity, while renewables currently provide only three percent. It is therefore logical that more has been spent historically on research and development in this sector. The figures quoted by Friends of the Earth also include research into the best and safest ways to solve the problems of waste created by this country's pioneering work in the field of energy from nuclear. Research and development funding for nuclear from government has reduced by 80 per cent between 1991/92 and 2001/02, despite its invaluable role as the biggest clean air electricity provider."

Forum Response: Environment Council

Steve Robinson, chief executive of the Environment Council, told ePolitix.com: "There will be much disagreement about how the energy review is taken forward. The success or otherwise will best be judged by the effectiveness and flexibility surrounding its implementation.

"This means that the only sensible way forward is one where different parties or stakeholders meet to examine their differences, listen and exchange views and establish the common ground on which a sustainable energy regime can be built."