Nuclear energy continues to make an important contribution in meeting Scotland’s energy demands.
More than twenty-five percent of electricity generation across the nation is derived from nuclear power and this demonstrates it’s vital role as part of Scotland’s energy mix.
Scotland now only has one remaining nuclear power station at Torness and it is due to close in 2028 after Hunterston B shut down last January.
The continued use of nuclear power beyond 2028 would be a major source of support with the essential transition to net zero and on energy bills.
On top of this, Putin’s illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has further highlighted the vital importance of Scotland and the UK’s energy security.
It should be emphasised that nuclear power stations are grounded in strict international safety standards.
The International Atomic Energy Agency – the global centre for joint working on peaceful nuclear activity - places nuclear power stations amongst “the safest and most secure facilities in the world.”
The UK Government has established Great British Nuclear (GBN) to advance nuclear builds and it is an ambitious civil nuclear programme.
The aim is for GBN to be a key driver in the delivery of clean and safe electricity in future decades.
The UK Government is a strong supporter of nuclear energy and alongside large-sized gigawatt-scale projects, GBN also has a focus on the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMR).
Small Modular Reactors are slight in scale when compared with large-sized nuclear power stations and they can be introduced in a wide variety of locations including former industrial and coal sites.
As such, it seems clear that SMR’s could offer significant opportunities and benefits for Scotland.
Whilst energy policy is an issue reserved to the UK Government, planning is devolved and the SNP-Green Government at Holyrood is implacably opposed to this low-carbon energy source.
The SNP and Greens have made it apparent that they would block any attempt for new nuclear power reactors in Scotland.
The position taken by the current Scottish Government is both anti-scientific and short-sighted as there clearly needs to be both realistic and innovative thinking on our energy needs when assessing current and future challenges.
To aid renewable energy, it is important for there to be a recognition that we will need the clean and reliable baseload power that is embedded in nuclear.
Small nuclear reactors could be a critical component of Scotland’s future energy mix but the ambition will not be realised if the SNP and Greens maintain their opposition to projects of this nature.
With Torness set to close in five years time, the Scottish Government must think again on this issue.
Nuclear power can strengthen energy security, assist with meeting net zero goals and secure new investment and jobs into Scotland.
It is a triple win and the very significant advantages of nuclear power must be grasped with both hands by the Scottish Government.
Sadly, there is no indication that the SNP and Greens will change their blinkered approach to this issue and a change of government at Holyrood is almost certainly required if nuclear is to be part of Scotland’s energy future.