Tom Greatrex: While it remains the case that at times when wind power is less productive, then the integrated grid enables power to come from England and Wales to Scotland to manage demand, the low carbon baseload power derived from Scottish nuclear power stations is an integral part of the current mix that is helping reduce carbon emissions and make electricity supply more stable, predictable and secure. There will continue to be innovation and technological development, opportunities for industry to adapt, diversify and secure new work, and bright ideas that will make a contribution for the future – and much of that can, and will, I expect, come from Scotland. Nuclear expertise is a key part of that potential, and should be a part of that collaborative effort you rightly highlight as the best route for an energy future that maximises security of supply while minimising carbon emissions.
Scottish Energy News 18th Feb 2016 read more »
Tom Greatrex: Too often, it seems it is also too easy to indulge in endless and circular arguments about the merits of different technologies set up in opposition to each other, without acknowledging that the prize is in achieving the optimum mix between the best features of ways of generating, storing, distributing and saving power at a time when decarbonisation of heating, transport, industry and power will increase the overall levels of demand for electricity. Electrification of train lines and more people using electric cars is undoubtedly good for the environment, but increases demand for power as a consequence. Nuclear-generated electricity has an important part to play in providing the bedrock of low carbon, baseload power which complements other forms of generation in a balanced mix. If we are serious about security of supply while reducing emissions in power generation at a time when demand for power will increase from heat and transport, nuclear will need to be part of the energy landscape in the future as much as it has been for the past 40 years.
Scotsman 19th Feb 2016 read more »