CLIMATE activists have poured scorn on the UK Government’s attempts to foist new nuclear power stations on Scotland.
Last week saw the publication of a report by Great British Energy Nuclear, ordered by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, which identified multiple sites in Scotland which could be used for new reactors.
However, this will not fix the energy crisis Scots are facing, according to climate campaigners, and also flies in the face of Scottish Government policy which is firmly against new nuclear.
Arguments against new nuclear power stations include their huge expense, the amount of time it takes before they are operational and the problems regarding waste disposal.
“Instead of sinking billions of pounds into nuclear power, investment should be channelled into renewable energy and other projects that tackle climate change and benefit society,” said Fraser Sutherland, coalition manager for Stop Climate Chaos Scotland.
“We must ensure Scots get their fair share of the wealth that comes from our natural resources by increasing community and municipal ownership of renewables schemes and building a solid Scottish manufacturing industry for the sector.”
He pointed out that while nuclear power is often described as “clean”, this ignores the climate emissions and resources used in construction and operation of the plants.
“Additionally, there are significant uncertainties and lack of long-term plans relating to the disposal of radioactive waste and decommissioning, meaning these reactors are not a sustainable solution to our energy needs,” said Sutherland.
“The technology is also massively expensive and takes many years to reach operational status and we already have an abundance of free natural resources that can be swiftly harnessed to produce cheap, green, homegrown power, while simultaneously lowering bills.”
Meanwhile, the Scottish Greens have slammed Labour’s nuclear “obsession” as “a waste of time and money”.
MSP Kristopher Leask said any new plants would be a “costly error”.
“Labour’s obsession with forcing a new generation of nuclear power on Scotland rides roughshod over devolution and ignores the will of the Scottish Parliament,” he said.
“It is also a costly and counterproductive distraction from the real energy priorities facing Scotland.
“Opening new plants across Scotland would be a huge waste of time and money. It would swallow billions of pounds and take decades to deliver, while doing nothing to tackle energy bills or the climate crisis.”
Leask said that instead of pouring money into expensive nuclear projects, the UK Government should be backing renewable energy that would create jobs, cut bills and strengthen energy security at a fraction of the cost.
“Every pound wasted chasing nuclear fantasies is money that could be spent protecting communities, cutting bills and preparing Scotland for the climate impacts that are already here,” he said.
“Instead of pouring billions into nuclear plants that would take decades to build, Labour should be backing the practical climate action Scotland needs now: warmer homes, better flood defences, stronger public transport, nature restoration and renewables that can deliver quickly
“That is where the investment should be going. Not into another expensive nuclear distraction.
“Our priority should be creating clean, green, secure jobs that support nuclear workers into new industries while revitalising communities across Scotland.”
Leask added that Scots are already living with the consequences of climate breakdown, from flooding and storms to coastal erosion and pressure on homes, roads and public services.
