The communications manager at E.ON has said energy companies can afford to pay for the construction and clean-up of new nuclear power plants.

Jonathan Smith told Channel 4's News at Noon that although it is expensive to build a nuclear power station in the first place, it is "relatively cheap" and easy to run.

He added: "In the UK, around about a third of our power stations are to close in the next ten to 15 years and they have to be replaced."

The Northwest Regional Development Agency has said that west Cumbria should be considered a priority location for a new nuclear plant because of its strong skills base.

Mr Smith also said it was not a case of choosing between new nuclear plants and renewable energy.

"We basically need absolutely everything if we're going to face the triple dilemmas of ensuring we can reduce our carbon emissions, we can keep the lights on and keep supply to our customers," he added.

Earlier this month, E.ON said it was committed to renewables in the UK. It is currently building an offshore wind farm at the Solway Firth, which stretches from St Bees Head in Cumbria to the Mull of Galloway.