Green: SNP need to think big on new nuclear

During a parliamentary debate on nuclear power, Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross David Green highlighted the importance of new nuclear to sites like Dounreay, as he criticised the SNP’s opposition to the energy source and urged them to “think big”.

Small modular reactors (SMRs) will be compact nuclear power plants built in factories and assembled on site, designed to generate low-carbon electricity more flexibly, cheapy and safely than traditional large reactors.

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

During the debate, Mr Green spoke about the importance of Dounreay to the local economy in the Far North.

He also pointed out that new nuclear power stations will directly benefit from the skills and experience of the workforce at Dounreay.

David Green MSP said:

“The Scottish Government’s opposition to new nuclear sends a worrying message to Scotland’s nuclear workforce- that is a message that their future lies elsewhere.

“The Dounreay site in Caithness directly employs around 1,400 staff, 96% of whom live locally, with a wider supply chain supporting hundreds more jobs.

“The site is also unique in Scotland for the innovation and emerging technologies required to address its complex legacy.

“The lessons learned at Dounreay are highly relevant to the future of nuclear energy. New nuclear power stations being designed and built today will benefit directly from the experience gained in Caithness."

He added: 

"The UK Climate Change Committee- an expert-led body- has made clear that nuclear is essential to the UK’s decarbonised electricity mix.

“With the UK Government committed to new investment, nuclear will be part of our energy future across these islands. The question is whether Scotland chooses to seize the opportunity to create jobs and investment here at home.

“The success of Dounreay depends on a highly skilled workforce of engineers, project managers, scientists and technicians. These skills do not exist in isolation. They are sustained by a thriving nuclear sector that offers long-term careers, investment and innovation.

“As I said to the Dounreay Stakeholder Group only a few weeks ago, I will fight for their interests. I hope this Scottish Government is willing to think big- and do likewise.”