New UK Government data confirms Torness as Scotland’s largest and most efficient electricity generator in 2024
Sustained performance makes station the most productive clean power asset in Scottish history
New nuclear will be vital to ensure Scotland has sufficient clean, reliable, firm power
Torness nuclear power station made the single largest contribution to Scotland’s electricity generation in 2024, continuing a long-established trend, according to new figures published today by the UK Government.
The Digest of UK Energy Statistics (DUKES), released by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, shows that nuclear power from Torness accounted for 17% of Scotland’s electricity generation in 2024, more than any other generating asset. Its production means that Scotland has both the highest share of nuclear generation and the cleanest electricity mix of the UK’s four nations.
Located near Dunbar, Torness generated 8.7 terawatt hours (TWh) gross of clean electricity in 2024, representing more than 20% of total UK nuclear generation during the year. The station had the highest load factor in Scotland, at 75%, meaning it produced closer to its theoretical maximum output than any other generator in the nation. Torness is now Scotland’s most productive clean power asset in history, overtaking another nuclear power station, Hunterston B.
The figures also show that 90% of Scotland’s electricity came from low-carbon sources in 2024, with nuclear continuing to play a vital role in the country’s energy mix. It remains Scotland’s only source of clean, firm electricity generation available at scale. Peterhead gas-fired power station is Scotland’s only other source of always-on generation.
Since coming online in 1988, Torness has generated 298 TWh of clean electricity — enough to power every home in Scotland for around 29 years — helping to avoid at least 101 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said:
“No other generator in Scotland matches what Torness delivers: reliable, affordable , always-on clean power for the nation and invaluable jobs and investment for East Lothian. The station makes a unique and irreplaceable contribution that will be sorely missed when it retires. The site, the community and the country, deserve a Torness B.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
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