Dunbar plant provided clean, reliable, power well below market prices since 2021 gas crisis
Saving equivalent to £170 million for Scots – equivalent to £27 per customer
New nuclear is best way to insulate Scots from imported gas shocks
Scotland’s Torness nuclear power station has delivered more than £2 billion in cost savings to Britain’s electricity system since the onset of the energy crisis in late 2021, according to analysis by the Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) – equivalent to around £170 million for Scotland, or roughly £27 per customer.
The analysis compares Torness’ electricity output from Winter 2021 onwards with the cost of generating the same volume of electricity based on the Baseload Market Reference Price (BMRP), which is set principally by the price of imported gas. The study finds that nuclear generation at Torness has been more than £2 billion cheaper than the market baseload price over this period. For Hunterston B, which came offline in January 2022, the figure is £114 million.
Nuclear power in Scotland delivers electricity that is cheaper, cleaner and more reliable than any other source. In contrast, the sharp rise in gas prices following the energy crisis drove wholesale electricity prices to unprecedented levels, with gas-fired generation continuing to set the price of power in Britain.
Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive, Nuclear Industry Association, said:
“The latest gas shock is a reminder that we need more cheap, reliable, sovereign power that nuclear delivers. The Scottish Government should take this opportunity for a pragmatic reset of energy policy, following the example of countries all over northern Europe. Without nuclear, we remain exposed to gas imports, and that is in nobody’s interest.”
Elisabeth Roden, Policy Analyst, Nuclear Industry Association, said:
“This analysis highlights the real, measurable value nuclear power brings to Scotland. During a period of extreme gas price volatility, Torness has provided consistent, low-cost electricity, avoiding billions in additional system costs.
“With ongoing instability in the Middle East continuing to drive volatility in global gas markets, households and businesses remain exposed to price shocks. Nuclear is a vital hedge against fossil fuel price volatility, delivering stability when it’s needed most.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- The analysis covers the period from Winter 2021 to Winter 2025. The total estimated saving from Torness is £2,116,586,800.
- Savings are calculated by comparing Torness’ actual output with the cost of generating the same volume of electricity using gas, proxied by the Baseload Market Reference Price (BMRP), which can be found here.
- The Scottish equivalent saving is estimated at around £170 million. Applying the domestic share of electricity demand (around 41%) gives an estimated £70 million saving for households, equivalent to roughly £27 per household.
- 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
