In order to secure investment in the renewable energy market, the government has set out its Energy National Policy Statements ready to be debated in parliament.
As part of the proposals, eight sites across the UK have been earmarked for development into nuclear power stations, which - if the plans are approved - would be operational by 2025.
Energy minister Charles Hendry pointed out that a quarter of the country's generating capacity will close by the end of this decade and needs to be replaced by low carbon, cheap energy.
He explained: "This will require over £100 billion worth of investment in electricity generation alone. This means twice as much investment in energy infrastructure in this decade as was achieved in the last decade."
The plans will help guide the planning process, he added.
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