The amount of low carbon energy produced by nuclear power shows how important it is for the UK's future, according to a leading trade group.

The Nuclear Industry Association made the comments after official statistics showed low carbon sources of electricity accounted for more than 45 per cent of the power generated in the UK in 2016.

The UK’s eight nuclear power stations produced more than one fifth of the UK’s electricity last year, with renewables making up the remainder. The output from wind, solar and hydro reduced in 2016 as the country experienced less wind, rain and sunny conditions than in 2015 - and the country remained a net importer of energy.

Moorside, near Sellafield, has been earmarked as the site of a £10bn nuclear new build to come on-stream in the 2020s.

Tom Greatrex, chief executive of the NIA, said: “More than ever the UK needs to ensure it continues to have a secure, reliable and available supply of low carbon power to meet our changing requirements. While low carbon electricity generation reaching 45 per cent in 2016 demonstrates progress, there is much more to do to meet our climate commitments and maximise the economic opportunities for clean growth in the UK.

“Nuclear power provides a high-density source of electricity which complements the variability of other low carbon power sources, which all play their part in reducing emissions, improving air quality and limiting our reliance on volatile fuel prices.

“With the distinction between electricity and energy diminishing as more low carbon power is projected to be used for transport and heat as well as power, we need a balanced, low carbon mix to enable us to meet rising demand. Nuclear power will be an integral part of meeting that challenge.”