A new generation of nuclear, wind and oil and gas sources will protect Scotland's energy security for generations while “hitting Putin where it hurts”, the Scottish Conservatives have said.
The UK Government's energy strategy, published today, also calls for a rapid expansion of solar and hydrogen power — all with the aim of energy self-sufficiency and reducing prices.
A licensing round for new North Sea projects will launch in the autumn, with UK ministers acknowledging that domestic oil and gas has a much lower carbon footprint than imports.
The Scottish Conservatives have challenged the SNP to “step up to the plate” and back Scotland's role on energy security, particularly around small nuclear reactors and the North Sea.
It follows comments from SNP energy minister Michael Matheson that the Scottish Government will block any new nuclear developments in Scotland.
Scottish Conservative Shadow Net Zero, Energy and Transport Secretary Liam Kerr MSP, said:
“The UK Government has put a modern energy strategy on the table that will benefit the consumer, create much-needed jobs and protect tens of thousands of Scots who work in oil and gas.
“It will also mean hitting Putin where it hurts as Britain will be able to reduce its reliance on Russian imports to power our homes.
“Small-scale nuclear plants, hydrogen and wind will be essential to the transition to the zero-carbon economy.
“Unfortunately, the SNP have been dogmatic in their opposition to nuclear, while they are unable to protect North Sea workers or create ‘green’ jobs for the energy transition.
“They need to step up to the plate, drop their inflexible approach, or risk destabilising net zero.”
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Notes
https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/snp-will-use-planning-powers-to-block-new-nuclear-developments-says-minister-3644098
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-61013732
https://news.sky.com/story/uk-to-step-up-nuclear-power-rollout-under-plans-to-boost-homegrown-energy-12583930