Scotland has a proud nuclear heritage. When Chapelcross opened in 1959, it powered generations of local jobs and helped keep the lights on across the country.
Since then, Scotland has benefited from decades of clean, reliable nuclear energy – from Hunterston nuclear power station in the west to Torness in the east. But while the rest of Britain is embracing the next generation of nuclear energy, the Scottish Government continues to block any new development.
That’s why pro-growth campaign group Britain Remade is stepping up its campaign with another town hall meeting on ending Scotland’s ban on new nuclear power stations. The latest meeting will take place in Edinburgh on Wednesday 16th July from 6:00pm in the Library Room at Riddle’s Court.
The event will bring together the public, trade unions and industry experts to make the case for nuclear power in Scotland’s energy future. It follows a similar meeting in Torness held earlier in the year.
Torness, Scotland’s last operating nuclear plant, is due to close in 2030. Yet the Scottish Government has refused to say if it will be allowed to continue to generate power into the 2030s, or what will come after it such as Small Modular Reactors.
These mini nuclear reactors are smaller, cheaper and quicker to build than traditional nuclear reactors. And because of their size they can be built in a wider range of sites, such as those once occupied by coal-fired power stations and other industrial sites.
Recent polling carried out by respected pollsters Opinium on behalf of Britain Remade found that the Scottish Government is not only out of step with the rest of the UK but also with its own supporters.
The poll found that over half (52%) of those who voted for the SNP in 2021 believe nuclear power should be included in Scotland’s energy mix to meet the Scottish Government’s 2045 net zero target. While 56% of all Scottish adults thought the same.
Sam Richards, CEO of Britain Remade, said: “For more than 60 years Scotland has led the way in clean nuclear power. But the SNP’s refusal to support new nuclear development risks throwing all that away – and with it, thousands of jobs, billions in investment, and Scotland’s energy security.
“Scotland has the engineering expertise, the proud track record, and the industrial sites ready to go. But unless the Scottish Government lifts its ban the investment and jobs will go to countries like Sweden and Finland who have embraced clean, reliable nuclear energy.
“As part of our campaign, we are keen for as many people in and around Edinburgh to show their support for a modern nuclear future.
“It’s critical that local people make their voices heard. That’s why we’re urging everyone who believes in the clean energy, jobs, and secure future that new nuclear energy brings to come along to our town hall on the 16th July.”