Presenting an energy white paper, or outline policy, she said that an investment programme to 2015 would take account of a need to keep open the option of nuclear energy.

France obtains most of its electricity from nuclear power.

The minister said that the programme allowed for "the forthcoming construction of a test example of the new generation".

She said that a test version was vital because technology was evolving rapidly in terms of safety.

A prototype would also improve the way any new power stations were financed and located, she said.

WAR.WIRE