David Hunter, energy analyst at M&C Energy Group, the UK's largest energy consultancy, commented:

"We welcome the attention that energy policy will receive under the new administration.

"The anomaly would be that Chris Huhne and his party are anti-nuclear, yet his department could well be responsible for developing an energy policy that has atomic power at its core.

"The Liberal Democrats, and Chris Huhne as Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, will abstain from any vote on nuclear plants. Assuming Labour back the plans, this should mean they go ahead.

"There will however be no public subsidy for new nuclear and while this doesn't necessarily preclude market support for atomic power, it does create uncertainty. The markets will be looking for quick action on measures such as a carbon ‘floor price' to help level the playing field between nuclear, fossil fuels and renewables.

"Decisions taken over the coming months will shape and drive energy policy for the next decade, and there is no margin for error. We have to make up for a decade of inactivity. What is crucial is strong political backing to give private investors the confidence to invest to keep the lights on."

/ends

For further press information contact Judith O'Leary 07825 304408 or David Hunter on 07921 948936