Cole-Hamilton announces Scot Lib Dems will open the door to small modular nuclear reactors

Speaking to dozens of Highland business leaders at an event in Inverness on Thursday, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has announced that his party will explore the rollout of small modular nuclear reactors, pointing to the benefits that they could bring to sites like Dounreay in Caithness.

Small modular reactors (SMRs), the first of which is set to be built in Anglesey, will be compact nuclear power plants built in factories and assembled on site, designed to generate low-carbon electricity more flexibly, cheaply and safely than traditional large reactors.

The SNP Government currently uses its control of planning law to prevent any nuclear projects from proceeding in Scotland.

Alex Cole-Hamilton was speaking to Prosper members about economic opportunities for the Highlands and Islands.

Alex Cole-Hamilton said:

“Everywhere I go people tell me that sky high energy bills are hurting their households and their businesses. It’s one of the biggest issues facing our country.

“We also need to prioritise our energy security. It means reducing our reliance on fracked gas from the US and keeping ourselves out of Putin’s energy stranglehold. A mix of low carbon technologies is going to be required to meet our future energy requirements.

“I've been a sceptic of nuclear power in the past, but SMRs have the potential to change the equation. Britain's engineering prowess could reduce our reliance on costly and volatile fossil fuels and allow us to sell products and knowledge around the world. However, the SNP Government’s refusal to even contemplate this next generation of nuclear energy could force expertise, jobs, investment and growth south of the border.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats will end the current Scottish Government’s ideological opposition so that small modular reactors are looked at through the same cost-benefit analysis that is applied to other forms of energy.

“The Highlands has a significant history in this regard, with Dounreay operating safely for decades, bringing in well-paid jobs to the highlands. It’s the kind of site that should be at the front of the queue for a small modular reactor, if and when the technology is proven.

“At the forthcoming election, it’s clear that Scotland needs change with fairness at its heart. My party has a realistic plan to back business, cut the cost of living and boost energy security in an uncertain world.”