The SNP Government is continuing to resist calls to drop its opposition to nuclear power despite evidence that Scotland will need it to back up renewable sources.
A report that from the nuclear arm of Great British Energy has identified a number of sites, including those with existing nuclear plants, as suitable for a new generation of facilities, including small modular reactors (SMRs) which are cheaper and quicker to build.
Scottish ministers have been warned that Scotland risks losing a vital energy source and thousands of jobs if it remains outside the nuclear family.
Torness in East Lothian is the country’s last remaining nuclear power station and is scheduled to close in 2030. It is named in the GB Energy report along with Hunterston and Dounreay, as among the areas that could have capacity for new projects.
Sites for new SMRs have been selected in north Wales, the north east of England and Nottinghamshire.
Michael Shanks, the energy minister, said: “For decades, thousands of Scots have worked in the nuclear sector and provided the country with low-carbon, reliable power. This new report shows there is potential for new nuclear in Scotland, which could boost the country’s energy security and deliver new jobs.
“We are delivering a golden age of nuclear in England and Wales, from Sizewell C to small modular reactors. Sadly, Scotland is missing out on the enormous economic and energy security potential.”
The SNP has dismissed the claims and has called on the UK Labour government to scrap what it called an “obsession” with “expensive” nuclear energy projects. It wants Westminster to back Scotland’s existing energy infrastructure and notes that other countries in Europe, such as Norway, do not use nuclear power.
SNP MSP Karen Adam said: “The Scottish Labour MPs who are behind this report should tell us who among them wants one of these extortionate, wasteful, and unnecessary nuclear plants built in their constituency.
“Scotland produces more energy than it uses – we simply do not need nuclear, and the UK government should focus on sorting out the UK’s energy market, so the Scottish people can benefit from Scotland’s immense energy wealth.”
Tom Greatrex, chief executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said: “Scotland has the sites, skills and decades of engineering expertise for new nuclear projects, alongside strong community support. Scotland deserves the same investment and opportunities that are going into new nuclear in England and Wales.
“It’s time for a new dialogue about energy policy and a robust, diverse mix of clean power sources. New nuclear in Scotland can play a key part in that and unlock new investment that strengthens energy security, supports local communities, and creates thousands of jobs.”
Sam Richards of the campaign group Britain Remade added: “The only thing standing in the way of Scotland being a nuclear powerhouse again is the Scottish government’s ideological opposition to new nuclear energy.
“New nuclear would give Scotland clean, reliable power when the wind isn’t blowing, support thousands of high-quality jobs and bring investment to communities with deep nuclear expertise.
“England and Wales are moving ahead with a new generation of nuclear power while Scotland is being forced to watch from the sidelines.”
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