The Scottish Government should withdraw and redraft its Climate Change Plan after deliberately excluding nuclear power, according to the Nuclear Industry Association (NIA).
Nuclear power has saved more carbon emissions than any other power source in Scotland’s history and remains a proven, reliable pillar of low-carbon electricity systems in Scotland and around the world. The NIA says its omission from the draft plan ignores scientific consensus and global evidence that net zero electricity systems cannot be delivered without nuclear.
Newly published data from the National Energy System Operator (NESO), analysed by the NIA, shows that South Scotland – which benefits from a mix of wind power and nuclear generation from Torness – consistently delivered cleaner electricity than North Scotland, which has no nuclear generation and relies more heavily on gas as backup to wind.
Last year, South Scotland recorded an average carbon intensity of 19 gCO₂/kWh, compared with 44 gCO₂/kWh in the north. The southern grid was the cleanest in the UK for the fourth year running, while NESO data also shows that North Scotland’s grid experienced far greater volatility and carbon-intensity spikes.
Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said:
“The Scottish Government’s calculated omission of nuclear power is a jarring insult to the contribution of Scottish nuclear workers, who have done more than anyone to show the way to a net zero economy.
“This plan prizes ideology over science, and will cost Scotland dearly in emissions, bills, and jobs and investment lost. There is a reason why 90% of the world economy backs new nuclear, while the Scottish government is shuffling in the other direction.
“The plan should be withdrawn and redrafted to reflect the reality of operating a sustainable electricity system and the contribution of the Scottish nuclear workforce.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- The NIA’s response to the Scottish Government’s draft Climate Change Plan Consultation can be viewed here.
- In March 2025, Torness surpassed Hunterston B’s lifetime output making it the most productive low carbon generator in Scotland.
- Since coming online in 1988, Torness has generated 307 TWh of clean electricity, enough to power every home in Scotland for 36 years, helping to avoid at least 101 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
- Torness is currently due to generate until March 2030.
About the NIA
As the trade association for the civil nuclear industry in the UK, the Nuclear Industry
Association represents over 300 companies across the UK’s nuclear supply chain.
Links
Visit our website: https://www.niauk.org/
Follow the NIA on X @NIAUK and LinkedIn
For further information, please contact:
Iolo James
Head of Communications
[email protected]g
+447517108023
