THE NUCLEAR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (NIA) took the lead yesterday in countering greenpeace claims that nuclear power is expensive and dependent on subsidy.

The greenpeace report entitled "The economics of nuclear power" and a press release claiming nuclear power stations couldn't be built to time and budget were sent to national and regional media outlets.

The NIA communications team handled several media calls for clarification and got across key messages in support of the industry.

Following the NIA response, the report received limited coverage in the evening media and national press today. Todays coverage centred around government sources suggesting a fast-tracking for new nuclear build.

The NIA believes that the market will decide on the economics of new build and pointed out to the media that evidence suggests a worldwide nuclear renaissance with utilities prepared to invest. This evidence counters greenpeace's selective claims.

The NIA also suggest that the expected endorsement of nuclear in the UN sponsored IPCC this week is a sign of growing global support.

NIA spokesman, John McNamara attacked greenpeace's narrow agenda.

"More and more countries around the world are looking very closely at the benefits that nuclear power brings in terms of low-carbon generation, cost and security of supply."

"Greenpeace as usual are being very selective and miss the point that major companies have done their homework and are prepared to invest in stable, cost-effective nuclear generation."