Questions over future nuclear opportunity at Hunterston

The question was posed by the assistant chair of the Hunterston Site Stakeholders Group, Stuart McGhie, at a meeting in West Kilbride.

Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) are responsible for safely decommissioning the first generation nuclear and research sites across the UK.

Mr McGhie said: "There is talk now of small and medium sized reactors and there have been some names mentioned of where they might be located.

Stuart McGhie posed questions over future generation of nuclear at Hunterston (Image: Hunterston SSG)

"If NRS going to inherit a large land mass or footprint, can you see going forward in general planning, can you see any of the sites being used for nuclear generation?"

Huntertson B was powered down for the final time in January 2022 after 46 years - sparking calls in some quarters to ask for a new modular nuclear reactor to be considered for the site.

Conservative councillors Tom Marshall and Todd Ferguson have said in the past the option must be considered amid speculation the UK Government is investigating ‘mini’ reactors being established across the UK.

However this flies in the face of current Scottish government policy of no new nuclear power generation in the country in future.

Sohail Ashraf, site director for NRS. responded: "That is not something I can answer as that is a longer term strategy.

"What I can say that is we will have to look at the opportunity to repurpose.

"Repurpose could be anything, It could be future generation, it could be industrial use, but the whole point is driving out final site clearance.

"That is something that will involve discussions with local communities, and that is a long way off."

Mr McGhie said: "I am not suggesting that NRS will get into the generation game, but there is a certainly a land mass, so there are certainly opportunities there."

The Scottish Government website states: "We recognise the contribution that nuclear generation makes to the energy mix in Scotland.

"However, its contribution will decrease as we increase electricity generation from renewable and other low carbon sources. 

"As set out in our draft energy strategy and Just Transition Plan (2023), significant growth in renewables, storage, hydrogen and carbon capture provide the best pathway to net zero by 2045.

"It will also deliver a climate friendly energy system that delivers affordable, resilient and clean energy supplies for Scotland's households, business and communities.

"We are aware of increasing interest in the development of new nuclear technologies such as small modular reactors.

"Whilst small modular reactors are innovative in their size and construction technique, they use the same method of electricity generation as traditional nuclear fission.

"They have the same environmental concerns as traditional nuclear power plants and their economic competitiveness is still to be proven in practice, once deployed."

The Hunterston Site Stakeholders Group meeting meets quarterly and includes heads of both 'A' and 'B' stations, environment and nuclear regulators, councillors and local community council representatives.