A new technical study has identified parts of Scotland, including Caithness, as having significant potential for future nuclear development despite the Scottish Government’s longstanding opposition to new nuclear projects.
The report, commissioned by the UK Government and carried out by Great British Energy Nuclear, examined areas that could be suitable for future developments ranging from small modular reactors to large scale power stations.
Among the locations highlighted were Dounreay in Caithness, Torness in East Lothian and Hunterston in North Ayrshire, alongside other areas around the Firth of Forth and Scotland’s eastern coastline.
For the Highlands, the inclusion of Dounreay is particularly notable given the site’s long association with the nuclear sector and the skilled workforce that has supported the industry for decades.
The study concludes that Scotland contains land areas with high potential for nuclear development from a technical perspective, although it stresses that further work would be needed before any projects could progress.
Detailed studies on grid capacity, community engagement, environmental considerations and commercial viability would all be required before confirming the suitability of individual sites.
The findings arrive at a time when the UK Government is increasing investment in nuclear energy, approving projects such as Sizewell C in Suffolk and supporting the development of small modular reactors elsewhere in the country.
However, Scotland’s planning policy remains firmly opposed to new nuclear developments, creating uncertainty over whether any future projects north of the border could ever proceed.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks said the report demonstrated the opportunities available to Scotland.
“For decades thousands of Scots have worked in the nuclear sector and provided the country with low-carbon, reliable power.
“This new report shows there is potential for new nuclear in Scotland, which could boost the country’s energy security and deliver new jobs.
“We are delivering a golden age of nuclear in England and Wales from Sizewell C to small modular reactors.
“Sadly Scotland is missing out on the enormous economic and energy security potential.”
The UK nuclear sector currently supports around 98,000 jobs and saw an additional 11,000 roles created last year, according to industry figures.
Scotland experienced the lowest growth in nuclear employment during the same period, which supporters of the industry attribute to the absence of new projects.
Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said Scotland already possesses many of the ingredients needed for future investment.
“Scotland has the sites, skills, and decades of engineering expertise for new nuclear projects, alongside strong community support.
“Scotland deserves the same investment and opportunities that are going into new nuclear in England and Wales.
“It’s time for a new dialogue about energy policy and a robust, diverse mix of clean power sources.
“New nuclear in Scotland can play a key part in that and unlock new investment that strengthens energy security, supports local communities, and creates thousands of jobs.”
Whether Scotland’s stance on nuclear energy changes in the years ahead remains uncertain, but for communities such as Caithness, the report ensures the debate about jobs, energy security and future investment is unlikely to disappear any time soon.
