32% of people in Scotland rank nuclear as the most important energy source for keeping the lights on, ahead of offshore wind (17%) and solar (15%)
45% of Scottish people support building new nuclear power stations to replace those retiring
Across Scotland, 40% of people support the use of nuclear power generation
Nuclear came out on top in Scotland as the most important energy source for maintaining a reliable electricity supply, with 32% of Scots, compared to solar (15%) and offshore wind (17%), according to new polling conducted by YouGov on behalf of the Nuclear Industry Association.
The polling also found robust support for building new nuclear to replace retiring power stations, with 45% of Scots in support, 30% in opposition, and 25% neither in support nor opposition. This comes as 40% of people in Scotland support the use of nuclear power overall.
The findings come at a critical moment for Scotland’s energy future. With Torness nuclear power station set to close in 2030, there is an urgent need to overturn the SNP’s ban on new nuclear in Scotland to allow the country to replace its most productive low-carbon asset. Since it began generation, Torness has prevented more than 146 million tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere and contributed £16 billion of economic value to Scotland and the rest of the UK.
Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said:
“These results show that people in Scotland understand the vital role nuclear plays in keeping the lights on and disagree with the SNP Government ban on new nuclear. With 2030 quickly approaching, it is now absolutely critical that the Scottish Government listens to people in Scotland and allows new nuclear development, with the thousands of highly-skilled jobs and the multi-million pounds of investment it brings, whilst ensuring Scotland’s energy security.
“Without new nuclear, Scotland will lose its only source of firm, clean power and become increasingly reliant on imported electricity and the impact of volatile international gas markets on the price of power.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1044 adults in Scotland. Fieldwork was undertaken between 8th – 30th June 2026. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all adults in Scotland (aged 16+).
- The life extension announcement of Torness until 2030: https://www.edfenergy.com/media-centre/edf-confirms-boost-uks-clean-power-targets-nuclear-life-extensions?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- EDF’s report findings into the impact of Torness nuclear power station: https://www.edfenergy.com/media-centre/torness-achieves-significant-generation-milestone
About the NIA
As the trade association for the civil nuclear industry in the UK, the Nuclear Industry
Association represents over 340 companies across the UK’s nuclear supply chain.
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