GMB Scotland – the trade union for the energy industry – has welcomed the operating life extension for Torness to 2030 which it said demonstrates that Scotland is and will remain dependent on nuclear power for base load electricity. Gary Smith, Secretary, GMB Scotland, said: “We have a good low carbon mix in Scotland but renewables are intermittent and we need nuclear as part of the mix.
Scottish Energy News 17th Feb 2016 read more »
The Nuclear Industry Association, the UK trade body for the civil nuclear sector, has today welcomed the news that EDF Energy plans to extend the life of Torness nuclear power station, so that it will run until 2030. The seven year life extension was announced by EDF Energy as it also said it was to extend the operation of a further three reactors in England.
Scottish Energy News 16th Feb 2016 read more »
The Torness nuclear power station on the east coast of Scotland is to have its life extended by at least seven years, operator EDF has announced. Paul Younger, professor of energy engineering at the University of Glasgow “On average, more than a third (34%) of all the electricity used in Scotland comes from those two nuclear power stations (Torness and Hunterston). Their attribute is they are very low carbon and 24/7. They pump the electricity out steadily around the clock. “As other things wax and wane, like the wind coming or not, it provides the bedrock. “Without nuclear – which is where we are heading, this just delays the day – Scotland is going to have serious problems achieving its carbon targets and keeping its lights on.” Friends of the Earth Scotland described the announcement from EDF as “disappointing” but “hardly a surprise”. The organisation’s director Dr Richard Dixon said: “Nuclear power is the ultimate unsustainable form of energy, creating waste which needs to be looked after for 25,000 years. “The UK government needs to refocus on energy efficiency and renewables instead of continuing to chase the nuclear dream.”
BBC 16th Feb 2016 read more »
Green anger as nuclear plant’s life is extended.
The National 17th Feb 2016 read more »
Scottish consumers stand to benefit from a decision to extend the lifespan of the Torness nuclear power station, according to experts. The stay of execution for the East Lothian plant could help to keep electricity bills stable. But the announcement sparked a furious row as Scottish ministers accused the UK Government of “deterring” investment in renewables and Labour and the Conservatives said the SNP risked letting the lights go out. The Scottish Greens also claimed that Scotland’s energy policy was being dictated by a private French firm. The Scottish Government opposes the building of any new nuclear plants. But SNP ministers say that they are not against extending the life of current operations.
Herald 17thFeb 2016 read more »