Findlay wants nuclear in ‘affordable’ energy transition – Daily Business

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay is calling for an ‘affordable’ transition to net zero and a commitment to nuclear power as part of the clean energy mix.

In a speech on Thursday, Mr Findlay says First Minister John Swinney must be “honest” with the public about the true cost of net zero and that protecting the environment must not mean forcing ever higher bills on workers and families.

He will say the focus needs to be on an “affordable transition” instead of the SNP’s “so-called just transition”.

Findlay will say that nuclear energy holds the key to that affordable transition, and work should be started on up to nine new small modular nuclear reactors to replace the energy that will be lost by closing the Hunterston B and Torness stations.

“Protecting our environment and tackling climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our age,” he says. “But the SNP’s approach is ill-conceived, inconsistent, chaotic and fundamentally dishonest.

“I’d like to lay down a challenge to the First Minister. I am calling for the SNP’s so-called just transition to be scrapped – in favour of an affordable transition.

“I urge the SNP to ditch their empty sloganeering and embrace a considered and pragmatic environmentalism. A new approach that understands the need to protect our economy and jobs.”

Mr Findlay argues that the “common-sense position” means using oil and gas in the North Sea before importing fossil fuels from abroad.

“A Scottish Conservative transition is an honest, affordable and pragmatic transition. It keeps household bills low and gives business a level playing field in a brutally competitive world.”

In a further criticism of the current energy policy, he says: “Our nation faces losing out on abundant clean nuclear energy and jobs because of the SNP’s bone-headed ideological opposition.

“Nuclear power generated 31% of our electricity in 2021. When Hunterston B in Ayrshire closed that dropped to 19% two years later.

“Torness, in East Lothian, is Scotland’s last remaining nuclear power station and is due to close as soon as 2030.

“By blocking new nuclear power stations in Scotland, the SNP are harming our economy and impeding efforts to reach net zero.

“That’s why my party would commit to starting construction on nine new small modular reactors in the next five years.

“Our aim should be to replace the amount of power lost by the closures of Hunterston B and Torness.

“This will guarantee clean and stable energy. It will bring down bills for householders. It will give business a boost. It is basic common sense.”

SNP MSP Stuart McMillan said: “By ditching what little credibility the Tories had left on tackling climate change and protecting our planet for future generations, Russell Findlay is trying to emulate Nigel Farage at the expense of Scottish communities.

“It is exactly this type of rhetoric which is why even many of his own MSPs are increasingly uncomfortable with Russell Findlay’s leadership.

“The evidence is clear: nuclear energy is extortionate, with power stations taking decades to build and the resulting toxic nuclear waste posing a risk to the surrounding communities.

“Indeed, the first nuclear power plant to be built in the UK for over 30 years, at Hinkley Point, is nearing £28 billion over budget. With the Labour government investing £700 million in Sizewell C – which could have been used to insulate and significantly improve the energy efficiency of approximately 200,000 homes – it is clear the Westminster parties are woefully out of touch on this.

“With Labour and the Tories now united on wanting new nuclear power stations in Scotland, they should now set out exactly which communities in Scotland they think should be lumbered with nuclear sites in their back garden.

“Families across Scotland are right now grappling with rising energy costs, and rural communities – many of which are represented by Tories – are facing the very real consequences of climate change like flooding and wildfires. 

“He must explain himself to those communities who are facing the very real impacts of climate change now.”