Call for new nuclear power station at Torness made at Holyrood

Discussions concerning the continued use of nuclear power to contribute to Scotland’s clean electricity generation took place during a debate at Holyrood on the Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy, which was made at COP28 last year in the UAE and signed by 22 countries, including the UK.

The declaration notes the key role of nuclear energy in achieving global net-zero targets by 2050 and recognises the importance of the application of nuclear science and technology to continue contributing to the monitoring of climate change and tackling its impacts.

In a speech during the debate, Martin Whitfield, South Scotland MSP and former East Lothian MP, highlighted the contribution made by Torness Power Station and its workforce.

The power station, near Dunbar, has about 550 full-time EDF employees and more than 180 full-time contractors.

Torness has been generating power since 1988 but is due to close in 2028.

Calls have been made for an extension to the lifespan of the power station or for consideration to be given to a new nuclear power station at the site.

'Prone to terrorist attack'

Mr Whitfield (Lab) argued that the SNP-led Scottish Government should reconsider its opposition to a Torness B.

While Fergus Ewing MSP (SNP) stressed that there needed to be “a rational approach” to energy policy.

He said: “Are there not at least three risks with nuclear?

“First, the costs for Hinkley Point C, Olkiluoto 3 in Finland and a third EDF plant have massively overrun.

“Secondly, the decommissioning costs are unquantifiable, as we have seen at Dounreay. Indeed, the costs for that site are still with us today, and it is still providing employment, I suppose.

“Thirdly – although I hesitate to say this – we need to consider, looking at what happened with Nord Stream, that nuclear power stations are particularly prone to terrorist attack in the future.”

Afterwards, Mr Whitfield stressed the importance of the debate.

He said: “This debate was timely as it presented Parliament with an opportunity to explore what others around the globe are doing on nuclear power and to consider options for the continuation of nuclear output here in Scotland.

“I was pleased to speak up once again for the contribution made by Torness and its workforce and to highlight its importance in generating clean electricity, as well as supporting hundreds of skilled jobs and apprenticeships.

“We have significant knowledge and expertise on nuclear energy here in East Lothian.

“It makes no sense to throw that away when so many other countries are looking to expand their nuclear capacity and reap the benefits of the clean, reliable electricity it can provide.”

Paul McLennan, MSP for East Lothian (SNP), said: “The Scottish Government have made it clear in the recent Energy Strategy that Scotland has enough capacity in the renewables sector to meet future energy demands.

“The issue of extending the life of Torness is for [operators] EDF and the Nuclear Inspectorate – Scottish Government policy has already allowed extensions.

“Hinkley Point [in Somerset] is currently being developed at the cost of £90bn and rising.

“I meet the station manager at Torness regularly to discuss de-commissioning.

“I don’t agree with Mr Ewing’s comments.”

'The die is cast'

Kenny MacAskill, MP for East Lothian (ALBA), said: “The die is cast regarding Torness. Whilst it’s possible its life may be extended, it would be for a limited period only.  

“The site is ageing and no new nuclear station is planned. That’s correct as the future for East Lothian and Scotland is renewable energy, with which both are blessed.

“What is required is to ensure the county and the country benefit from the bounty on and off its shores. So far there’s been little benefit in either revenue or employment and business. That must change. We cannot have the perversity of an energy-rich Scotland seeing fuel-poor Scots.

“As for safety, the site is and will be guarded by the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, who do an excellent job. Residents need have no fear.”

Craig Hoy, South Scotland MSP (Con), said: “Nuclear is a safe, secure and environmentally sound form of energy and it contributes to our local economy, creates jobs and bolsters our energy security.

“I support the ambition of an extension of the lifespan of the current station at Torness and the future development of civilian nuclear energy.

“It’s a pity the SNP have set their face against nuclear and will shut down local jobs and make us more dependent on oil and gas imports from countries such as Russia.”

Energy Minister Gillian Martin MSP said: “The Scottish Government supports extending the operating lifespan of Torness if strict environmental and safety criteria continue to be met. Prolonging the life of this station could help to ensure Scotland retains a secure energy supply, while we continue to increase the proportion of energy generated by renewable and low-carbon technologies.

“However, the Scottish Government is absolutely clear in our opposition to the building of new traditional nuclear fission energy plants in Scotland under current technologies. New nuclear power is expensive and would take years, if not decades, to become operational, and would also be expensive – pushing up household bills.

“We believe that significant growth in renewables, storage, hydrogen and carbon capture provides the best pathway to net zero by 2045 and will deliver the decarbonisation we need to see across industry, heat and transport.”

A spokesperson for EDF added: "Torness power station is currently forecast to generate until March 2028, this is based on a formal review in late 2021.

"We will continue to explore opportunities to maximise output from the station over the coming years.

"The lifetime of Torness, along with the other three generating AGR stations, will be reviewed again by the end of 2024 and the ambition is to generate beyond 2028, subject to plant inspections and regulatory oversight.”