Nuclear hypocrites
Virtue-signalling ‘green’ SNP agrees nuke plant (with cracked reactors) should be kept running
THE Scottish Government has been accused of ‘hypocrisy and inconsistency’ after backing a nuclear power plant’s bid to prolong its operating life.
The SNP has refused to fund a new generation of nuclear power – despite blackout fears sparked by Scotland’s narrow energy mix – and is increasingly focused on renewable sources.
But the Nationalists have confirmed their support for keeping the Hunterston B plant in Ayrshire operating beyond 2023 – despite both of its reactors being out of service.
EDF Energy, which runs the site, hopes to have Reactor 4 back online by January 14, and Reactor 3 resume service by February 21, pending approval from the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR).
Reactor 3, which has been shut since March, had 370 cracks in its graphite core. A further 200 cracks were found in Reactor 4.
Scotland’s two nuclear plants – Hunterston B and Torness – generated enough energy for four million homes last year. And in response to a question from Labour MSP Neil Bibby, Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: ‘We support proposals to extend the operating life of Hunterston B, with the qualification that strict environment and safety criteria continue to be met, and that the ONR is satisfied this can be done safely.
‘Prolonging the life of this station will enable it to continue playing a part in meeting Scottish demand while we increase the proportion of electricity generated by renewables and cleaner thermal generation technologies.’
But Justin Bowden, national officer for the GMB union, which represents workers at Hunterston B, warned: ‘We were really close to power-outs [during March’s snow], partly because nuclear stations were going through maintenance.
‘If we had not had coal – and that goes out in the middle of the next decade – then the lights would have gone out. No matter how many windmills and solar panels you build, if there’s demand for energy and there’s not much wind, you need something to back that up.
‘The Scottish Government position seems to be somewhat contradictory, to say the least.’
Longannet in Fife, Scotland’s last coal-fired power station, closed in 2016. All of the UK’s coal stations are due to shut by 2025.
The UK Government has invested in a new generation of nuclear power, while the SNP has refused.
Mr Bibby said: ‘The Scottish Government are clearly confused about the future of nuclear power. They are willing to accept an extension to the life of existing plants but apparently not newer, safer nuclear power at this time.’
Scottish Tory energy spokesman Alexander Burnett said: ‘This demonstrates the hypocrisy and inconsistency of the SNP’s position.’
An EDF spokesman said: ‘The best lifetime judgment for Hunterston B of 2023 continues to be supported, given the large nuclear safety margins demonstrated through our research work.’
The ONR confirmed it had received a safety case from EDF for a return to service for Reactor 4, with one expected for Reactor 3.
Responsibility for energy production is reserved to Westminster but Hunterston and Torness are also regulated by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.
The Scottish Government said: ‘Prolonging the lives of nuclear power stations, where safe to do so, will help maintain security of supply while the transition to renewables and cleaner thermal generation takes place. We are confident about overall security of energy supply.’