SNP ministers told to scrap climate change plan over nuclear exclusion
The Scottish Government says it remains opposed to new nuclear energy and instead wants to focus on renewables to achieve net zero
SNP ministers has been urged to scrap its climate change plan because it does not include nuclear.
The Nuclear Industry Association said the blueprint must be withdrawn and redrafted to include nuclear within the future energy mix of Scotland.
Ministers published the draft climate change plan at the end of 2025, setting out how the government plans to achieve the legally-binding net zero target by 2045.
This document includes a range of measures the government plans to take forward, with a heavy emphasis on renewables - however the Scottish Government has said it continues to oppose “dangerous” nuclear energy and has therefore excluded this option from the plan.
The Nuclear Industry Association said this goes against scientific consensus as it risks creating higher emissions, higher bills, and losing jobs and investment.
Tom Greatrex, chief executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said: “The Scottish Government’s calculated omission of nuclear power is a jarring insult to the contribution of Scottish nuclear workers, who have done more than anyone to show the way to a net zero economy.
“This plan prizes ideology over science, and will cost Scotland dearly in emissions, bills, and jobs and investment lost.
“There is a reason why 90 per cent of the world economy backs new nuclear, while the Scottish Government is shuffling in the other direction.
“The plan should be withdrawn and redrafted to reflect the reality of operating a sustainable electricity system and the contribution of the Scottish nuclear workforce.”
The association added that newly-published data suggests the south of Scotland consistently delivers cleaner electricity than the north of Scotland thanks to nuclear energy generated from the Torness Power Station. South Scotland recorded an average carbon intensity of 19 gCO₂/kWh compared to 44 gCO₂/kWh in the north.
However despite this, the Scottish Government said it “does not support the creation of new nuclear reactors in Scotland”.
Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said: “New nuclear would be incredibly expensive and the levy placed on energy bills to pay for nuclear reactors will cost Scottish electricity bill payers £300 million over the next decade.
“Nuclear reactors also produce a legacy of dangerous radioactive waste.
“Instead, we are focused on supporting the development of Scotland’s immense renewable energy potential.
“This will provide more jobs, is faster, safer and more cost effective to deliver, and will also support our path towards net zero as outlined in our draft climate change plan.”
Several opposition parties in Scotland have called for the SNP government to reverse their opposition to new nuclear energy. Scottish Labour has even said they would invite nuclear investors to Scotland immediately after the election in May if they win.
Douglas Lumsden MSP, the Scottish Conservatives’ energy spokesman, said: “This sleekit move by the SNP government should be reversed immediately.
“We already know they have a reckless and ideological opposition to new nuclear in Scotland, but it is shocking to see them refuse to accept the key role it can play in reducing emissions.
“If such a major industry has been excluded as part of this plan, then it is not worth the paper it is written on.”
Sarah Boyack MSP, Scottish Labour’s net zero spokeswoman, said: “The SNP’s opposition to clean nuclear energy is holding Scotland back and depriving our communities of jobs and investment.
“SNP ministers could unlock opportunities in Scotland and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels at the stroke of a pen, but they refuse to do so.
“Scotland’s last operational nuclear plant, Torness, is due to close in 2030 so we urgently need to see a commitment to jobs for these skilled workers and the local economy.
“Clean nuclear power can work hand-in-hand with renewables to deliver energy security, drive down emissions and lower bills for good.”
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