What is the SNP’s position on nuclear energy?

The SNP will not give the green light to nuclear power stations in Scotland. The expansion of Scotland’s renewable energy sector is one of the greatest export opportunities Scotland will ever have. We are determined to provide absolute policy certainty on clean energy so that investors can invest in the emerging technologies that come forward.

Nuclear energy takes decades to become operational at an extremely high cost, alongside significant public and environmental safety concerns. The development and operation of renewable power generation is faster, cheaper and safer than that of nuclear power.

Scotland is on the cusp of a renewable energy boom; delivering jobs, energy security and affordable power.

Westminster’s nuclear projects Hinkley Point and Sizewell C are already billions over budget and years behind schedule. Developers EDF assured consumers their Christmas turkeys would be cooked with Hinkley Point power by Christmas 2017. Eight years on, EDF has revealed the cost of the new nuclear plant has spiralled to £46 billion and the plant could still be delayed as far as 2031.

That is why the SNP will instead continue to support growth in renewables, storage, hydrogen and carbon capture to build the affordable, resilient and clean energy system we need for the transition to net zero.

A commitment to costly nuclear energy is to the detriment of consumers, the environment and the public purse. Nuclear power stations generate radioactive waste that must be managed and securely stored to prevent harm to the public and damage to the environment. Reliance on costly, experimental nuclear technologies will do nothing to fulfil Labour’s promise to alleviate the cost‑of‑living crisis and bring down energy bills.