Michael Shanks: Scotland’s energy future is on the ballot

Michael Shanks has said that Scotland’s energy future is on the ballot at the Holyrood election.  

The UK energy minister warned delegates during a speech at Holyrood’s Energy Summit in Edinburgh that a party that opposes nuclear power will “fragment the GB energy market”.  

Shanks said: “There are those who say we can simply oppose nuclear power; we can fragment the GB energy market; we can turn away from the pooling and sharing of UK-wide investment in infrastructure and go alone in balancing an increasingly complex energy system.” 

He said the “same divisive rhetoric” is heard from the SNP and Reform, describing them as“different parties, but the same approach.” 

The SNP-led Scottish Government has blocked any future nuclear energy projects, while the last remaining facility, Torness, is expected to cease operations by the end of the decade. 

The party argues that the cost of nuclear power does not represent good value for consumers and has raised environmental concerns.  

Shanks said because of this policy position, there is an “uncomfortable truth” that Scotland is now importing nuclear energy from England.  

He said: “[Scotland is] importing nuclear power when renewables aren’t meeting demand, importing the power, abandoning the job opportunities, and ignoring the potential of new skills. Outsourcing Scotland’s energy security.”

The energy minister told delegates that the choices made by the next Scottish Government will not last the span of one parliament. 

Shanks said: “It’s about the kind of country that Scotland wants to be for decades to come. Whether we are a nation that builds patiently and purposely or one that puts at risk the fundamentals and hopes for the best. 

“Energy policy is not a thought experiment. It is the quiet but critical force that underpins everything else in our economy, our security, our social contract with one another.” 

He added: “The question is not about electing a party that is ambitious for Scotland, that is easy to say. The question is whether the ambition is matched with a seriousness of purpose.”