Minister backs N-power expansion

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Reactors have been proved safe and delaying using them more widely could be disastrous for the environment, he said.

The Cabinet minister also called for the UK to become a world leader in developing nuclear technology - reaping a potential £20 billion benefit for the economy.

"I think the technology is proven, not just in terms of producing electricity but in terms of safety as well," Mr Hutton told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme.

"In terms of waste disposal, I don't think there is an argument about how it should be done - there is an argument about where it should be done."

"If we are really serious about our climate change responsibilities, if we want Britain to be as energy-independent as possible, then I think we should be talking about a significant expansion over and above the current contribution that nuclear power makes.

"It is currently about 20%. I think that it should be significantly more than that."

In a speech to trade unionists later, Mr Hutton will say that the UK could become "the gateway to a new nuclear renaissance across Europe" and a world leader in nuclear technology.

Nuclear energy could be worth up to £20 billion for UK companies, and generate 100,000 jobs, he will say.

And he will back nuclear energy as a way to cut down Britain's emissions of greenhouse gases.