Britain needs to build new nuclear power stations if it is to contribute to combating global climate change, according to the government's chief science adviser.

Professor David King argued today that decommissioned nuclear power plants would have to be replaced if the UK was to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and make progress in reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

Forum Response: BNFL

Norman Askew, chief executive of BNFL, told ePolitix.com: "This opinion fully supports BNFL's own view 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."

Forum Response: British Nuclear Industry Forum

Adrian Ham, director general of the British Nuclear Industry Forum, told ePolitix.com: "Professor King has injected a much-needed sense of realism into the debate on the country's future energy needs. It is clear that as nuclear energy capacity declines the country faces a growing carbon gap as we become more dependent on fossil fuels.

"Renewables have a vital role to play in moving Britain towards a low-carbon energy economy, but if Britain is to stand any chance of meeting its Kyoto targets, we will need both renewables and nuclear.

The government now has to create the level-playing field for low-carbon energy sources to ensure they can play their full part in the future. This includes working towards a timely and publicly acceptable policy on nuclear waste."

Forum Response: British Energy

Robin Jeffrey, executive chairman of British Energy, told ePolitix.com: "Britain 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.

"The energy policy review acknowledged 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: Powergen

A spokesperson for Powergen told ePolitix.com: "Powergen has always recognised the need for a balanced generating portfolio in the UK. This includes nuclear, coal, gas and renewable sources."

Forum Response: National Environment Research Council

A spokesperson for the National Environment Research Council told ePolitix.com: "The Natural Environment Research Council is currently funding many research programmes that address the problems of both climate change and nuclear waste.

"Our scientists need to look at every possible angle so that we give useful advice to help make decisions on the best solutions to these problems.

"We are very interested in finding out what people think about energy so we are holding a conference and debate on the approaches to energy, including conventional, renewable and nuclear, in Manchester on 11 April.

"The chief scientific adviser, professor David King, will be leading the debate. Anyone who would like to take part can apply for an invitation from the NERC conference desk, tel. 0208 542 8223."