Ed Miliband, the UK Energy Secretary, announced plans to build a new nuclear power station in Scotland if Labour wins the Holyrood election next year. This move aims to boost jobs and energy security, targeting sites like Torness and Hunterston, but it hinges on ousting the SNP government that blocks such projects.
The announcement came during a London event on October 23, 2025, where Miliband stressed Scotland’s nuclear past and the need to revive it for clean energy growth.
Labour’s Push for Nuclear Revival in Scotland
Miliband made it clear that a Labour victory in the May 2026 Holyrood election would kick off immediate action. He plans to team up with Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar right away. On the morning after the vote, they would call in global nuclear firms to discuss investments at Scottish spots.
This step forward ties into the UK government’s wider goal of approving one small nuclear reactor each year until 2030. These reactors would start running by 2050, helping balance Scotland’s energy needs when wind power dips. Miliband pointed out that Scotland has a strong nuclear track record, but current rules hold it back from new builds.
Experts note that small modular reactors offer a fresh take on nuclear tech. They build faster than big plants and cost less upfront. In Scotland, this could mean steady power without relying too much on imports during calm weather.
Key Sites and Job Opportunities
The focus falls on two main locations: Torness in East Lothian and Hunterston B in Ayrshire. Both sites once hosted nuclear plants, so they have the groundwork ready. Great British Energy Nuclear will study these areas first to check feasibility.
Building one small reactor could spark thousands of jobs in construction. Once operational, it might keep hundreds employed in operations and maintenance. Miliband called this a way to grow clean energy jobs north of the border by a huge margin.
Here are some expected benefits of new nuclear in Scotland:
- Create up to 10,000 construction jobs per project, drawing skilled workers from across the UK.
- Provide reliable baseload power to support renewables like wind and hydro.
- Cut energy bills over time by reducing fossil fuel use and imports.
- Boost local economies in areas like East Lothian and Ayrshire through supply chains.
These gains come at a time when Scotland exports much of its renewable power to England. Adding nuclear could help keep more energy and cash at home.
Table: Comparison of Nuclear and Renewables in Scotland’s Energy Mix
| Energy Source | Capacity Factor | Job Creation Potential | Build Time | Cost per MWh (Estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear (Small Modular) | 90-95% | High (thousands in construction) | 5-7 years | £60-90 |
| Offshore Wind | 40-50% | Medium (hundreds ongoing) | 3-5 years | £50-70 |
| Hydro | 40-60% | Low (maintenance focused) | 4-6 years | £40-60 |
| Gas Backup | 80-90% | Medium | 2-3 years | £70-100 |
This table shows how nuclear offers steady output, though it takes longer to build. Data draws from recent UK energy reports, highlighting why a mix matters for grid stability.
SNP Opposition Sparks Political Debate
The SNP government firmly opposes new nuclear plants. They control planning laws in Scotland, giving them veto power over builds. Party members argue that renewables hold more promise, with Scotland’s winds and waters offering cheap, quick power without long-term waste issues.
SNP MSP Paul McLennan called the plan a surprise push from a struggling UK Labour team. He stressed Scotland’s huge renewable potential over costly nuclear that takes years to deliver and leaves dangerous waste behind. This stance aligns with past SNP policies, which ban new nuclear north of the border.
Miliband fired back, labeling the SNP’s view as anti-growth and anti-jobs. He said it blocks Scotland from joining the UK’s nuclear boom, like the recent £14 billion Sizewell C approval in England. Tensions rose as Labour MPs urged the SNP to rethink, pointing to lost billions in investment.
Recent events, such as the UK backing small reactors in England, show nuclear’s rising role. Yet in Scotland, debates echo broader fights over devolution and energy control.
Public Views and Future Energy Balance
A survey from earlier this year found that 56 percent of Scots want nuclear in the clean energy mix. Even among past SNP voters, support hit 52 percent for Holyrood backers and 57 percent for general election ones. This suggests shifting opinions amid energy price worries.
Many see nuclear as key to topping up the grid when renewables falter. Scotland already leads in wind power, but calm spells mean gas or imports fill gaps. A balanced mix could ease these issues and cut carbon faster.
Critics worry about costs and safety, but backers highlight modern designs with less waste. As the Holyrood campaign heats up, nuclear could become a top voter issue. Miliband predicts it will play big in the race.
This plan fits into global trends, where countries like France and the US ramp up nuclear for net zero goals. In the UK, it pairs with solar farms and offshore wind pushes approved this year.
Readers, what do you think about nuclear power in Scotland? Share your views in the comments below and spread this article to spark more discussion on our energy future.
