A decision to increase nuclear energy is the most economical of all choices

Finnish Trade and Industry Minister

The five-party coalition government of Prime Minister Paavo Lipponen, which approved the decision by a vote of 10 to six, said it was the only solution to meet Finland's growing energy demands.

"A decision to increase nuclear energy is the most economical of all choices in terms of both the national economy and state finances," Trade and Industry Minister Sinikka Monkare said.

The proposal now goes to parliament, where voting, likely this summer, is expected to be close.

The decision makes Finland the only country in Western Europe that considers building a new nuclear reactor, when other countries are seeking alternative energy sources.

Divided

Nuclear power currently meets about 25% of Finland's needs, and the government says boosting nuclear capacity is the only way to keep energy-poor Finland from becoming dependent on imported electricity.

Finland shelved its nuclear project after the Chernobyl disaster

A recent opinion poll shows the country is deeply divided on the issue, with a slight majority in favour of building a new nuclear plant if it would help cut carbon dioxide emissions.

Supporters say it is the most economical solution to avoid an energy crisis and save public money.

But opponents argue that health and environmental risks are too high. They say the government must seek alternative energy sources.

They say Finland can buy more electricity from its neighbours or increase imports of natural gas from Russia.

Failed attempt

The proposal to build the fifth nuclear reactor was first put forward in the 1980s, but was shelved after the Chernobyl disaster in 1986.

The Finnish Parliament then voted against the whole project in 1993.

Finland has four nuclear reactors at two plants, and experts say their safety standards are among the highest in the world.

The government in Helsinki has recently tightened security requirements around the plants following the 11 September attacks in the US.