nuclear-news

SNP rules out any new nuclear power plants in Scotland

THE Scottish Government has again ruled out building new nuclear power plants, despite a plea from West Scotland MSP Jamie Greene.

31st January,  Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald, 30th Jan 2026

At Holyrood on Thursday, the Liberal Democrat member asked if the SNP government would continue its opposition to new nuclear plants.

A new plant to replace Hunterston A and B in North Ayrshire has been called for in recent years – to no avail.

Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, Gillian Martin, responded: “We do not support the construction of new nuclear power stations in Scotland under current technologies.

“And while we recognise the role that nuclear has played, new nuclear would take decades to deliver, comes at a very high cost and creates long-term radioactive waste liabilities.

“Scotland has abundant resources with the clear potential to meet electricity demand through continued deployment of renewable energy and storage, and we are prioritising technologies that are quicker to deliver, lower cost and proven to maintain security of supply rather than the new nuclear projects that would take decades to materialise.”………………………………………………………………………….

“I have to point out the cost of nuclear, if you look at Hinkley Point C. It was expected to be completed in 2025 at a cost of £18 billion. Now the cost is estimated at £46 billion and it is delayed until 2031. I think that’s a lesson for all.”
https://www.ardrossanherald.com/news/25808021.snp-rules-new-nuclear-power-plants-scotland/

February 3, 2026 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Uncategorized