Highland MSP backs new nuclear development and says Caithness should be 'top of the list'
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A Highlands and Islands MSP has called for Caithness to be "at the top of the list" for a new nuclear plant.
Edward Mountain says nuclear power stations can strengthen Scotland’s domestic energy security and help the country achieve net-zero.
With the Hunterston B site having closed earlier this year, Scotland has only one operational nuclear power station, at Torness. This, Mr Mountain says, is despite nuclear energy having produced over 25 per cent of Scotland’s electricity in 2020.
The Conservative MSP is urging the Scottish Government to reverse its opposition to nuclear energy and deliver a new generation of small reactors ahead of Torness power station closing in 2028.
Mr Mountain said: “The horrendous situation in Ukraine has underlined the importance of maintaining good domestic energy security – and nuclear plays an important part in that.
“With Scotland’s last remaining nuclear power station set to shut down before the end of the decade, we must begin work on a new generation of nuclear power stations if we are to meet our future energy needs in the Highlands.
“The UK government is already planning to invest hundreds of millions in delivering the next generation of clean nuclear energy but is set to miss out due to the SNP’s irrational opposition to nuclear.
“Nuclear energy is low-carbon and safe. It is a triple win for Scotland, and Caithness should be at the top of the list for developing new nuclear power stations.
“Not only will it help strengthen our energy security, it will help us reach net-zero and deliver jobs and investment across the region.”
Engineering giant Rolls-Royce hopes to build up to 10 small modular reactor power stations by 2035 and there have been calls for one to be established in Caithness where nuclear skills were built up over many years at Dounreay. However, the Scottish Government has indicated that these would not be acceptable under its current nuclear policy.
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Caithness councillor says MSP's opposition to nuclear power has 'set back the hopes of this county'
MSP accused of disregarding 'very clear will from far north' by opposing a Caithness mini-reactor
Maree Todd says she cannot give her backing to 'high cost and high risk' nuclear power station
