The Scottish Greens have voted to maintain their opposition to nuclear power after members rejected proposals to soften the party’s longstanding policy at their annual conference in Inverness.
Delegates meeting at Eden Court Theatre on Sunday 25 October voted against a motion that would have allowed new nuclear reactors to be considered under certain conditions.
The decision followed a debate about Scotland’s future energy needs and whether nuclear generation should have a place alongside renewable sources as the country moves towards cleaner electricity production.
For the Scottish Greens, the outcome means the party will continue opposing the construction of new nuclear power stations while prioritising investment in wind, wave, tidal and solar energy.
The rejected proposals would have represented a significant departure from a position that has been central to the party’s environmental policies for many years.
Supporters of nuclear energy argue that it can provide reliable low carbon electricity when wind and solar generation are limited, while opponents point to construction costs, lengthy development periods and the challenge of managing radioactive waste.
Scotland already generates electricity from nuclear power at Torness in East Lothian, although the Scottish Government remains opposed to building new nuclear stations using current technologies.
Scottish Green MSP and energy spokesperson Kristopher Leask welcomed the conference decision.
“I am delighted that our members have reaffirmed our opposition to nuclear power and our commitment to a cleaner, greener future for Scotland.
“I welcome the debate, it is important that members can discuss and challenge our policies, but I firmly believe we have reached the right decision.
“Nuclear power is expensive, wasteful and takes years, if not decades, to deliver.
“We know that it leaves behind dangerous radioactive waste that future generations will be left to manage, while doing nothing to bring down household energy bills in the short term.
“Scotland has enormous potential in wind, wave, tidal and solar energy.
“We should be investing in those resources, creating thousands of good green jobs and ensuring that communities benefit from the energy generated at their doorsteps.
“At a time when households are struggling with sky-high energy bills and the climate emergency is becoming ever more urgent, we cannot afford to waste billions of pounds on costly nuclear projects.
“The Scottish Greens will continue to champion a renewable energy future that puts people and planet first, rather than lining the pockets of nuclear energy giants.”
Leask also criticised the UK Government’s approach to nuclear investment, arguing that Scotland’s energy priorities should be respected.
“The UK Government’s obsession with forcing a new generation of nuclear power on Scotland disregards devolution and goes against the will of the Scottish Parliament.
“Instead of chucking more money into expensive nuclear projects, Andy Burnham should be backing renewable energy that secures jobs and cuts bills
“Scotland’s priority must be creating clean, green, secure jobs that support nuclear workers into new industries while revitalising communities across Scotland.”
The vote comes during renewed debate about Britain’s energy future following the approval of the Jackdaw gas field and announcements concerning investment in new energy infrastructure.
It also highlights differences within the wider Green movement, with the Green Party of England and Wales having adopted a more flexible approach towards considering nuclear projects.
For the Scottish Greens, however, Sunday’s decision leaves little uncertainty about the party’s direction.
Its members have chosen to concentrate on Scotland’s renewable resources rather than opening the door to another generation of nuclear power stations.
