New generation of nuclear reactors would be ‘backwards step’, warn Scottish Greens

By Martyn McLaughlin
Published 27th Sep 2021, 11:20 BST
Updated 27th Sep 2021, 12:38 BST
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The Scottish Greens have warned against a “backwards step” of increased reliance on nuclear power amid reports the UK Government is set to back a new generation of reactors.

Kwasi Kwarteng, the UK business secretary, is understood to be considering providing funding for a fleet of mini-reactors.

The initiative would see Rolls Royce oversee the project to install at least 16 plants, creating up to 40,000 jobs by 2050 across the north of England and the Midlands.

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A consortium led by the engineering firm has secured the £210 million needed to unlock matched funding from taxpayers.

If approved, it would become the first developer of so-called small modular reactors (SMRs) to submit its designs to regulators.

The company has said the technology “solves the conundrum of how to create affordable energy, and more of it, with a lower carbon footprint”. It claims that a single plant is capable of powering one million homes.

Other members of the SMR consortium include the National Nuclear Laboratory and building firm Laing O’Rourke.

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Sizewell nuclear power station in Suffolk. Picture: Oli Scarff/GettySizewell nuclear power station in Suffolk. Picture: Oli Scarff/Getty
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But Mark Ruskell MSP, the Scottish Greens’ environment and climate spokesman, said the plans demonstrated the need for energy policy to be fully devolved.

He said: “Nuclear power is neither safe nor reliable. The last thing we need is a backwards step towards the nuclear industry, which would cost hundreds of millions of pounds while leaving a toxic legacy for centuries.

"The Scottish Greens in government are doubling Scotland’s onshore wind capacity and developing new opportunities for marine renewables. These are the changes that will make a vital difference.

"The truth is that the anti-climate Tories in Westminster cannot be trusted to do the right thing for the environment.

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