The union representing over 18,000 members in the energy industry expressed disappointment over the content of the Energy White Paper, which owes more to political compromise than to the realities of the energy market.

Prospect general secretary, Paul Noon, said: ”Without a continuing commitment to nuclear generation, Britain will rapidly become increasingly dependent on oil and gas imports with potential geopolitical problems for security of supply. Keeping the nuclear option open requires practical government support for new build.

“The Energy White Paper is a missed opportunity. We have already had almost two years of consultation on future energy policy, and the White Paper does not take this any further forward. Neither does it address long-term strategic issues. Security of supply and reduction of CO2 emissions are, in our view, key and linked priorities.”

Prospect supports a balanced energy policy and believes a higher priority should be given to meeting climate change objectives. In practice, this requires increased support for both renewables and nuclear.

Targets for generation from renewable sources will only become meaningful if backed by concerted practical action, for example to resolve planning, transmission and distribution difficulties and to boost research and development.

In the current circumstances, Prospect does not believe that either the 10% target for electricity generated from renewables by 2010 or the further targets for 2020 will be achieved.