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Scotland for Nuclear Energy calls on Holyrood to back clean, reliable nuclear power

Businesses, industry bodies, campaign groups and energy experts have come together to form Scotland for Nuclear Energy and are calling on the Scottish Government to urgently end its opposition to new nuclear power projects.

Launched by campaign groups Nuclear for Scotland and Britain Remade, the coalition argues that Scotland is at risk of being left behind as countries around the world accelerate investment in next-generation nuclear technologies. 

With Scotland’s existing nuclear heritage, skills base, and viable sites, Scotland for Nuclear Energy says new nuclear power can deliver secure clean energy, thousands of skilled jobs, and major private investment for communities across the country.

The group is calling on the Government in Holyrood to adopt a pro-growth, pro-jobs energy strategy by supporting new nuclear, alongside renewables, as part of a balanced clean energy system.

Sam Richards, CEO of Britain Remade said:

“Scotland has done brilliantly with renewables, but the wind doesn’t always blow when we need it. 

“Nuclear is clean, reliable baseload power that keeps the lights on, stabilises bills, and attracts huge investment. 

“At a time when countries across Europe are embracing nuclear as a safe, clean, and reliable part of the energy mix, the Scottish Government’s refusal to even consider it is deeply irresponsible.

“They should drop their outdated opposition to nuclear power. If they don’t it will be the people of Scotland that miss out.”

Scotland still has four registered nuclear sites, but only the Torness nuclear plant is operational and generating power - providing clean power to 2 million Scottish homes. 

Torness may be Scotland’s last active nuclear power station, but it is also the nation's most productive low-carbon asset, producing enough clean energy since it was switched on in 1988 to power every home in Scotland for 36 years. 

Polling shows that SNP supporters are at odds with the party’s anti-nuclear stance, with over half (52%) of those who voted SNP in 2021 believing nuclear power should be included in Scotland’s energy mix to meet the Scottish Government’s 2045 net zero target. A third (33%) remain opposed, while 15% are undecided.

A majority (56%) of all Scottish adults surveyed said they supported nuclear power as a means to reach net zero.

Katrina Clark, Director, Minerva Health Physics, said:

“With Torness due to close in the coming years, we face a real question about where our reliable, low-carbon baseload power will come from. Renewables are essential, but they can’t always guarantee the steady, around-the-clock electricity a modern economy needs. 

As a Scottish company, we want Scotland to be part of that future. We want to invest here, grow here, and help Scotland take advantage of the skills, jobs and expertise that nuclear can bring. Our hope is that Scotland remains in the mix, so companies like ours can continue contributing to a strong, secure and low-carbon energy system in the place we call home.”

Trudy Morris, Chief Executive, North Highland Chamber of Commerce, said

“Here in the North Highlands, we have lived the reality of nuclear energy for decades, and the transformative impact of NRS Dounreay on our economy, skills base and communities is impossible to ignore. It has supported thousands of high-value jobs, invested in our supply chains and created expertise that continues to benefit the region.

“The Chamber supports a mixed energy economy. Renewables are central to Scotland’s future, but they work best alongside clean, reliable baseload power. With the highest safety standards, nuclear can complement renewables, strengthen energy security, cut emissions and ensure communities like ours continue to share in the economic benefits.”

Scotland faces major strategic choices as Torness approaches the end of its operational life and the energy system undergoes rapid transition. Scotland for Nuclear Energy warns that without nuclear in the mix, Scotland risks greater reliance on imported gas making the system less secure and more expensive.

Nuclear power is not a competitor to renewables but a complement, enabling a decarbonised system that can withstand intermittency and rising demand, including electrification of heat and transport.

The coalition is urging individuals and organisations across Scotland to join the campaign, sign the petition, and support the push for an updated Scottish energy strategy that includes new nuclear as part of efforts of the Scottish Government to achieve its net zero and energy security goals.

More information, including ways to get involved, is available at: newnuclearenergy.scot